Are you against motors?

No. I think the motor is a great invention. I think it's backwards and ridiculous that we are still using fuels that are toxic for us to power our motors. The technology and knowledge exists to move beyond waste and pollution. It's time we took the leap. I'm not using motors because I didn't want to make compromises in what I'm doing. I wanted to be as honest as I possibly can. I'd be lying to myself if I said "One plane ride/taxi ride/ferry won't make a difference". It's a slippery slope and I'm going uphill. I also love being outdoors and traveling while staying in shape. It's time we stop taking our actions for granted. We are changing the planet. This should be an empowering and inspiring fact. How are you changing the planet?

Are you crazy?
Yes, but perspective is everything. We’re all crazy. Is it crazy to follow your dreams and do what you love? It just happens to be the case that what I feel comfortable doing is considered by many to be crazy or dangerous or even stupid. I think it’s more crazy to live your life in fear of change or taking a risk. It's important to make our life decisions from a place of love as opposed to a place of fear.

Are you going to stop or break up the trip?
The goal is to not use a motor for the entire trip. There will be places where I will stop and rest and work on the project in order to make it successful, but I will do everything I can to continue on with two feet and a heartbeat. Since I began in July of 2015 I have never traveled by motor. Not a taxi, not a bus, not a plane, not even an escalator. I expect the greatest challenge to this goal will come from government interference in the form of laws or stupid bureaucracy.

How long is it going to take?
Somewhere between six and 10 years. There are way too many factors that will effect timing for me to be precise with the plan. I have no interest in rushing around the world to beat some record. The main purpose of this is to work with organizations along the way, and that will take time.

Can I join you?
If you believe you can, there isn’t much in this world that you can’t do. pssss... contact me.

Why should I support you?

I can do this and will make it work with very little, but your support will make this so much more effective and successful from the beginning. Routes of Change was created because I wanted to be working in the environmental and social action sector, but I knew that I wouldn’t be happy or healthy in an office environment. I'm happier doing manual labour and working outside. I'm aware that these small organizations have little to no marketing budget. I have something valuable to offer and can help them gain the recognition and support they deserve.

Routes of Change is the answer to combining my passions and talents with the inspiring work that these non profit organizations do. This is no vacation for me. Most people would consider what I’m doing to be a rare form of physical torture. Combine that with the stress of consistently producing videos, writing blogs, interviewing, directing an NGO, and presenting to large crowds of people and it can quickly become overwhelming. I feel comfortable doing this and your support will help me do it better and with help from a professional team.

You could also support me simply for the reason that I inspire you or entertain you with my dancing :).

What compelled you to take on such an epic adventure?

I spent most of my twenties working seasonally in remote places and then traveling around the planet in my spare time on a tiny budget. I came to see firsthand how our lives in the developed world are effecting and harming the lives of people everywhere. I started making changes in my own life, shrinking my ecological footprint, and learning more about social and environmental justice issues in my community and around the world. I started to feel like that wasn’t enough and that I needed to do more to help. Then my Dad called me and told me he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and given a few weeks to live. I asked myself “What would I want to be doing if I found out I was going to die? What is my most honest expression on this planet?” On my flight home to be with my Dad I came up with the Routes of Change expedition. It’s a combination of everything I’m passionate about, expressed as honestly as I know how.

What modes have you used so far?

Canoe, Kayak, Walk, Recumbent Tricycle, Raft, Run, Crawl, Trimaran, Handcycle, Skateboard, Standup Paddleboard, Tandem Kayak, Rowboat, Bicycle, Toboggan, Sailboat, Ski, Fatbike, Dance, and Pogo-Stick.

How can people get involved with Routes of Change?

There are many ways to get involved. Connect and communicate with me on all of the social media channels @routesofchange . Help me to find and share stories of positive change around the planet. If you or anyone you know might be interested in becoming a part of the team or joining for a leg of the adventure somewhere around the planet please email markuspukonen@gmail.com. Do you know students or teachers who might be interested in having me share my story with them? Please put them in touch. A donation to the Routes of Change non-profit society will not only help me get around the planet but will also go to supporting the leaders of local non-profit organizations I meet along the way. Donate here. A little change can go a long way. Thank you.