My last post was about how I hadn’t been inspired me to write. That changed on November 8. The newly elected representative in the White House is worrisome for those working in the environmental field or any science field. Threats to the Clean Power Plan, withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement, promoting the unhealthiest, carbon-intensive fuel source, opening preserved public lands to oil and gas drilling, and generally halting energy and environmental progress. It’s the disregard for science, health, and information (aka facts) that’s most troubling. I’ve found my environmental inspiration. I’ll continue to use this space to share the stories that enlighten, entertain and inform people. As for the above photo: skiing in Colorado always inspires me.

I’ve read several items since the election stressing the importance of being involved. Finding somehow or somewhere to strengthen your community. I don’t want to only work to strengthen my bonded community. I want to strengthen the bridges beyond my community. What this mean for me is, 1) keep sharing the stories that build and bridge, 2) write new stories that make bridging connections, and 3) become more involved in my community.

1 and 2 are easy. I’m happy to keep sharing. I’ve come across many anti-EPA/anti-environmental people in my career. We all have tendencies to be NIMBY. When I make a connection about contamination and their hometown, work space, or hunting or fishing lands, then even the hardest anti-EPA people begin to bend. Real, local stories about asbestos, mercury contaminated fish, leaded water do have an impact.

The third one, become more involved in my community, is more challenging. With family, work, and day-to-day maintenance, I haven’t left much extra time. But my work in the environmental field gives me a built-in community. I have an opportunity to influence people within and outside the realm of environmental consciousness. I first need to make my impact felt there. Beyond work, I’m still working through what would be the best use of my time, efforts, and/or money. For starters, in December I will make my first official The National Environmental Professional donation. I missed Giving Tuesday but will follow-up next week on Colorado Gives Day.

I always thought the slogan, “Think globally. Act locally,” was a bit hokey very environmentalist’y. I’ve always been more practical. I guess it’s time to dream more.

Or how about this one? Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. This is what I can do.