This has become a huge conflict for me, because I live on a different continent than the rest of my family. Because of that I know it’s unlikely I will ever stop air travel completely, but I’m trying to avoid it in every other way.

It’s frustrating that there is still a heavy academic cultural expectation to attend meetings and conferences in person, and that one is usually completely excluded otherwise. There must be better ways to form and keep active knowledge-sharing communities that don’t rely on air travel and a slew of other wasteful practices (disposable catering, name tags, merchandise, hotel catering/cleaning, expensive registration, etc.).

If anyone is interested in talking about possible ways forward, I’d love to be a part of those conversations.

In addition to environmental concerns, I love flying less because it takes away so much stress, expense, and pressure. I really enjoy opting out of the rat-race in the small ways that I am able! I value the local and notice the world around me so much more. And, when travel is really essential, I love road trips. They’re such a great way to enforce slowing down, building relationships, and finding the time to notice things.