As a freelance writer, I’ve learned, by necessity, to live on a meagre budget. I have not flown in an airplane since 2011. Once a year I indulge in a 10-minute (one way) helicopter flight to a wilderness location, the start of which is a couple of hours’ drive from my home. I stay for a full week exploring the landscape on foot or by skis, living in a cabin or tent without electricity or running water. The rest of the year I spend every weekend out in wilderness, as I’ve chosen to live in an area surrounded by national and provincial parks. I never feel like I am missing anything by not flying in airplanes – rather the opposite. While I have travelled internationally, and I do believe visiting other countries, particularly less fortunate ones than mine, provides valuable awareness and insight on the greater world, I also believe that there is a fine line beyond which travel becomes another form of consumption, shallow and indulgent, particularly when surrounded by luxury that prevents any real connection or learning about that place. Add to that the fact that pumping all that jet fuel into our atmosphere is good for no one and nothing on our planet. I also believe that for those who too easily jump on airplanes to “escape” their homes – and only the affluent even have that option – leads people to lose touch with their homes. It’s easier to run away than stand firmly and fight when necessary to protect and preserve the natural landscapes of our homes. I’m proud and grateful to live a life connected to my home, with very little/just enough air travel.