in the community

Time to do an interview of myself. I’m kind of interested to see what will come out of it. Are you ready?

When you hear the word ‘sustainability’ what comes to mind?
When I hear the word sustainability, the thought that comes to mine mind is two things. The first one is to take waste, and convert it back into something useful. Kind of like up-cycling. Take the waste and emissions and do something good with it. I see this linear waste system, and I want to close the loop.

The other part of sustainability is the local aspect. I hear the word and I think, “keep money in my community.” My community needs to be able to support itself, money shouldn’t be leaving it for corporate America.

What aspects of sustainability are important to you?
There are many parts that are important to me. The main thing I care about is doing things that lesson my impact on the environment. One way to do this is to purchase things that are produced more locally. Part of sustainability people don’t talk about is the relationship between you and your supplier (vendor). When you can establish a relationship with these people, part of the circle closes. You know where the stuff you are consuming is coming from. Which means you can make a better purchasing decision. Do you want your money going to this company? Do they have the same values?

Are you acting on those beliefs, and why?
I try to act on these values, though I have to admit it is hard. It takes more time to make a smarter decision. I would like to have a local source website that kind of told me all about my local producers. It would be nice if they all came to one place, like the Saturday market. . just more often and closer to my home. I don’t mind spending a little more if I know the money is being used locally.

Is there anything holding you back from doing more?
The part that holds me back from doing more is that I don’t have the positive influence around me pushing me. I think the environment you live in makes a world of difference. If you surround yourself with sustainable beliefs, it is easier to live a life like that. You feed off each other.

If they are acting sustainable, what are they doing, and what do they think they can improve on.
I need to spend more time with people who value the same things I do. Spend less time by myself.

Are you thinking about the impact of their decisions on future generations?
I really don’t think about the impacts of my decisions. I know I should, but I have to admit. . I am a little selfish. If I had kids, I know I would probably be thinking differently.

Where do you think sustainability change will come from, large and small scale?
I think the change will come from the government. I want to see tough regulation. I want to see higher gas taxes, I want to see the promotion of green energy. Force us to make better decisions, I am begging you!

Who do you think should play a bigger role in helping us become more sustainable?
I think the government should play a bigger role, local and federal.

Anything else you wish to say?

I wish more people cared and talked about this issue. My own family doesn’t really get it. They do, but they don’t. I feel like I am the tree hugger whenever I start talking about it. I have probably forced them into a corner and they don’t care to listen anymore.

Doing something small does make a difference. People should be proud of what they do.