2016: The Year Where I Take Zero Flights
This year, I was very lucky to be able to take several trips.
I went to Orlando in February.
Vancouver in April.
St. Louis (and Chicago!) in July.
New York City in October.
And, next month, I'm going to Frankfurt for Christmas.
So, after a someone on Twitter posted an article on the impact of carbon emissions from planes and jetliners, I was appalled at how I had contributed to the carbon emissions in the air. I factored in all the flights that I took (over ten throughout the year!) and, after some soul-searching, realized that I couldn't -- in good conscience -- take any more flights for a year.
It was a hard choice to make. I love traveling and had already made plans for trips I could take in 2016. There was Prince Edward Island in June. Possibly Las Vegas in the fall. And, if I was lucky, a trip to see my older sister in the States again. Sure, it was only three trips, but three trips I had already semi-decided on taking. Now, after realizing that all the flights I took this year are a detriment to the environment, I'm postponing my trips until 2017.
And, of course, it was after making that choice that we learned that JK Rowling had written a prequel for Harry Potter to debut in London's West End theatre! Of course, it was after making this decision that Nicole, Janis, and Jenn decided we should take a trip for our 30th birthday year! Of course, it was then that I realized Mel wouldn't be coming home and I wouldn't be able to go see her in Vancouver.
But I'm sticking to my guns. If I go anywhere, it will be one of these three ways:
I went to Orlando in February.
Vancouver in April.
St. Louis (and Chicago!) in July.
New York City in October.
And, next month, I'm going to Frankfurt for Christmas.
So, after a someone on Twitter posted an article on the impact of carbon emissions from planes and jetliners, I was appalled at how I had contributed to the carbon emissions in the air. I factored in all the flights that I took (over ten throughout the year!) and, after some soul-searching, realized that I couldn't -- in good conscience -- take any more flights for a year.
It was a hard choice to make. I love traveling and had already made plans for trips I could take in 2016. There was Prince Edward Island in June. Possibly Las Vegas in the fall. And, if I was lucky, a trip to see my older sister in the States again. Sure, it was only three trips, but three trips I had already semi-decided on taking. Now, after realizing that all the flights I took this year are a detriment to the environment, I'm postponing my trips until 2017.
And, of course, it was after making that choice that we learned that JK Rowling had written a prequel for Harry Potter to debut in London's West End theatre! Of course, it was after making this decision that Nicole, Janis, and Jenn decided we should take a trip for our 30th birthday year! Of course, it was then that I realized Mel wouldn't be coming home and I wouldn't be able to go see her in Vancouver.
But I'm sticking to my guns. If I go anywhere, it will be one of these three ways:
- bus
- car
- boat
It's gonna be hard, not going to lie, but I need to be firm. This is going to be the first year since 2003 that I won't take any air travel. YIKES.
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