Why I care so much about sustainability:

 

A third generation Montanan, I grew up in the Gallatin Valley, which is quite possibly one of the prettiest places I have had the blessing to live. It will forever be my home and has a special place in my heart. Despite my love for my home and the mountains, I fell in love with the ocean and decided I wanted to be a marine biologist. I can neither confirm nor deny that a trip to Sea World and the movie Free Willy may have also had a major influence on this decision at the time. 

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As with most young people, my time at University changed my career expectations. What once started as a major hatred of chemistry, morphed into an entire Master's level research project as I began to learn about the impact of human development and pollution on the oceans and their biodiversity. I was shocked to learn how many detrimental impacts industrialization has had all over the world, and fascinated by how much scientists are still learning about these impacts. I began to become frustrated and angry that despite the fact that we know how damaging certain practices can be, they still continue in the name of profit and technological advancement.  

 

Further fueling this frustration, my beautiful town that was once surrounded by wide open fields, always crystal clear skies, and pristine views of the mountains, has morphed into a bustling semi-resort town full of outdoor enthusiasts from all over the United States. Agricultural land has been replaced by cookie-cutter housing developments, land and living prices have skyrocketed, and the once clean air is now tinted with an ever-present haze. Water resources are in danger of being depleted as the town expands beyond its capacity to support itself ecologically. 

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The story of my hometown is not unique, the same thing has happened across the US and to far greater extents across the world. Developing nations in particular face the brunt end of limited or no regulation on mining, factory, and refining operations as well as other industrial processes. Unfortunately this means that not only does the environment suffer, but the poor of these nations suffer greatly as they are exposed to contaminated water sources and degraded habitats.

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While the immediate impact may seem small, we all have the responsibility to live in way that is mindful of these impacts. We have to choose to vote with our wallets and our actions. But let's be honest, this can be incredibly difficult in today's Western economy when companies aren't required to tell us where they source their materials or if their supply chains employ fair trade practices. I hope that I can help simplify this process for you by doing the research and providing you with the tools and information you need to live as ethically and sustainably as possible.