A new approach to sustainable travel could take root: two extra days paid time off for employees who choose not to fly for a year. At Sprinklr, an Amsterdam-based organic plant retailer, 11 out of 14 team members earned these 'Linde days' in 2024 — named after their warehouse manager, who inspired the policy through her own commitment to low-carbon travel.
The initiative grew from a simple observation: while sustainable options benefit all of society, they often cost individuals extra time and effort. When Linde opted to take an 18-hour bus journey from Amsterdam to the Venice Biennale rather than flying with friends, her climate-aware choice demanded more time and patience. (Meanwhile, a new study by Transport & Environment reveals that "Europe's aviation industry plans to double its passenger traffic by 2050 and will deplete its carbon budget as early as 2026.")
Rather than running carbon calculations to determine the exact footprint of every trip, Sprinklr focused on supporting its team's conscious travel choices. Offering those two additional leave days acknowledges the extra time required for most train or bus journeys. As co-founder Suzanne van Straaten explains, it's not about judging those who fly but empowering employees who are mindful of how they travel — a practical approach helping to bridge the gap between people's environmental ideals and their real-world constraints.
