5 YTTP team members on what they know about caring for the Earth.
Taking care of the Earth can mean different things, depending on who you’re talking to—and every approach is important. Read on for inspiration from the YTTP team—these are some of the things we do to care for our planet.
Reciprocal Care
Name: Talia Favale, she/her/hers
Customer Experience Coordinator at YTTP
“I am a lover of nature and a believer in the healing powers of the natural world. I owe that to the wisdom of my Grandma Madi. From as early I can remember she would sit me next to her while she meditated. I would join in her Oms and be enthralled by the flame of the incense, the ringing of the bells. It was through her that I learned the magic of plant medicine. Whether it was to extract the poison from a bee sting, relieve the pain in my shins after dance class, or release tightness in my lungs from a respiratory infection, there was always a special potion concocted as treatment. Grandma Madi always stirred up tinctures and pastes made from clay, herbs, and oils from the Earth. I learned early on that there’s nothing that can’t be healed by the gifts that come from the ground when she is nurtured, respected, and loved. For these reasons, I do my best to live sustainably by reusing and repurposing, buying used goods, minimizing food waste, and holding my friends and family accountable for doing the same.”
Finding Wonder
Name: Drew Hazelhurst, he/him
Visual Production Manager at YTTP
“My journey to learning how to care for the Earth started at a young age when my parents taught me the value of utilizing existing items to create something beautiful, the impact of recycling, and the importance of caring for one another. I have held on to those values as I’ve grown up, and even though I am not thrifting with my mom or building something with my dad, I realize that all of those lessons have made me look at the world through a different lens.
“We have been blessed with a chance to live on a planet full of wonder—made up of beautiful places and extraordinary people who need our help to keep it that way. We are constantly hit with pressure to act now and change our habits to change our future. These warnings are valid, and they need to be heard, but they can also be overwhelming, and the fear can become too much, and no action is ever taken. When those feelings become too much, I always try re-center and remember that you don’t have to save the world in one day, but you can make a difference with small things in your everyday life.
“It doesn’t take much to reuse something instead of buying new for convenience. If you have the time to educate one person about steps they can take in their life to better this world, then do it. And above all, spread love and take care of the people in this world. Without people’s actions, there is no hope for our future. Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Empowering Others to Act
Name: Alondra Orn, she/her/they
Graphic Designer at YTTP
“I’ve been working on a personal passion project; a club called Climate Action Lab (CLAB). We’re a small, women-led team passionate about a more sustainable city for all. With this club, we understand that caring for the environment involves being informed and taking action.
“Through my work at CLAB, I create infographics and animations that make conversations around climate news and education fun and engaging for the younger generation. The goal is to create material that is easy to digest and fun because the conversation around climate change should be normalized and empowering!
“Climate Action Lab is here to set up the conditions for learning, storytelling, and growth and allows others to take action.”
Intentionality
Name: Brett Marlow, he/him
Copywriter at YTTP
“Growing up, I dreaded going shopping with my mom. She’d often say, ‘We’re just going one place!’ Hours and dozens of thrift-store aisles later, we’d arrive back home—me: exhausted; her: wildly enthused. She never viewed finding second-hand clothing, kitchen appliances, or anything we needed as a daunting chore; she found it responsible, resourceful, and rewarding. She’d always say, ‘If I can get it used, why would I create more waste in the world by buying it new?’ Spoiler alert: it stuck. To this day, it informs my minimalism. If I buy clothing, or anything really, it’s intentional—a commitment and investment. I will wear each item until threadbare, ignoring the ever-changing trend du jour in a concerted effort to minimize my footprint and our planet’s limited renewable resources. There’s always another use for every item; you just have to be crafty and clever, like my mom.”
Conscious Consumerism
Name: Indigo “Indie” Skye, they/them
Customer Experience Coordinator + Sustainability Committee Co-Captain at YTTP
“The fashion industry is one of the top contributors to global pollution. Studies show that over 85% of all textiles go to the dump each year. Making more sustainable choices such as supporting an environmentally-conscious brand, shopping at local thrift stores, and repurposing/upcycling garments are great ways to make less of an impact on the environment.
“Thinking of picking up some new leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables on your next trip to the grocery store? Consider investing in a reusable, ventilated bag that you can bring to avoid single-use plastics that are not recyclable. Also, don’t forget to stay clear of that tempting salad in a box or bag; chances are you cannot recycle the material, and an extra 15-20 minutes of prep work can have a lasting impact on the planet we share, as well as allow yourself a moment of peace to reflect on the day."
