Cecilia G. and family from Bergamo, Italy.

“Try to leave this world a little better than you found it” - Robert Baden Powell

Our family has always been quite concerned about the environment, as a lifestyle habit: we’ve always recycled, tried to minimize energy consumption, tried to use our car only when strictly necessary.. Lately my mum started purchasing local, organic and eco-friendly products through a buying club, which greatly increased our family’s involvement in conscious choices about our consumption. In the family garden there is now a compost and a vegetable garden. I don’t live with them anymore, I moved to Chicago, but these actions are now rooted in me so I also recycle, bike, line dry, buy local… I am lucky my landlady even has a compost in our backyard so I’m also doing that!

What keeps you going?

We love nature and we just can’t accept to harm the environment so badly. Doing something that helps the planet, while also enjoying a healthier lifestyle and even better food simply seems the right choice.

What gives you hope?

The world is slowing starting to see it: we can’t go on this way, because it’s a loss for everyone. When this will be really clear I’m confident that human kind will find the inspiration and the skills and the strength to do whatever change is needed to save the situation. But it’s crucial that we understand this and start the process as soon as possible, because we’re losing huger value every day. I’m convinced that everyone’s individual effort makes a difference, both in itself and for the “contagion” effect that it can have on others.

Thank you, Cecilia!

“My Glacier backpack trip was epic, to say the least.  I have to remember to look at my photos frequently to keep my head in the right direction.”

On an epic backpacking trip to Glacier National Park, Rob L., an avid recycler, composter, and tap water enthusiast from Ohio, had plenty of time to reflect on the beauty of our natural world and what gives him hope.

Rob’s philosophy? “We only got one Mother Earth baby. Some of the changes we are making to our world are not able to be reversed. I don’t think most people want this legacy passed on to our kids. I get real afraid to look into that crystal ball sometimes.”

“Photographs do no justice to any place of grandeur. Glacier National Park is hands down overwhelming. One really needs to spend a few days in the true interior, away from the pavement. All I can say is you realize you are not top of the food chain as a human being. We were mere guests in the big house that the Grizzly lives! Some parts of the trails can be a bit treacherous, it is hard at times to not be ooing and awing at some mountain peak and lose footing on a steep section of trail.”

“We are lucky our forefathers had the inclination to set this National Park aside so we can experience it as our Native American’s did, for the most part. When I say for the most part, the few remaining glaciers may be a thing of the past if our climate continues the path its on.”

Rob describes his “little contributions to help our big planet.” He dutifully drives his plastics, glass, newsprint, and cardboard to his local recycling center, ever since curbside pickup was taken away. He also created a compost bin by wiring three wood pallets together and turning it with a pitchfork every so often. As far as plastic water bottles, he absolutely hates them and calls them one of the worst recycling nightmares on the planet.

“What give me hope are organizations like We Add Up (we swear, we didn’t make him say this). I feel there are so many people who are willing to be kinder to our earth, but whether out of ignorance or laziness, need to be reminded of better habits. I just hope our children see the value of conservation. Yes, breaking some bad habits may not be convenient or politically cost-effective (in the present). We seem to hear a lot of “green” talk these days from the powers that be, unfortunately I think it is hollow rhetoric. The energy that has been generated by lots of grassroots groups from the ground on up, is going to have to be the driving force.”

Rob highly recommends his outfitter, Glacier Guides, because “they are a very class act. They are all about conservation - everything was packed in and back out. Our guide Andy was top notch; very professional, awesome personality, very conscientious of all our little needs, and he cooked up gourmet meals on a white gas backpack stove.”