Big carbon foot

Re “The time is short, so he’s gotta fly,” Column One, Dec. 27

In the midst of global efforts to decrease overly consumptive habits and conserve resources for future generations, I found The Times’ decision to publish this article appalling. Michael Whitley engages in completely self-serving behavior for no apparent reason, without mention of consequences.

For anyone who has never completed an “ecological footprint” quiz, a major factor in carbon footprint size is airline flight.

In our global society, there are many worthy activities requiring airline travel. However, I am certain that a pleasure ride to Amsterdam for the afternoon -- for the sole purpose of gaining luxurious flying benefits at the end of the year -- is not one of them. Before Whitley hops on his next international flight for an afternoon, I suggest he calculate his ecological footprint and then conduct a Google search for a new hobby.

Erin Feeney

Santa Barbara