Meet this month’s “Sustainability Snapshot,” Ted & Connie Ning, and learn more about their efforts to live sustainably:
What inspired you to adopt more sustainable practices in your life?
Connie: I’ve always had a deep connection to nature since I was a child. I think that’s why I love living in Evergreen so much and hiking our beautiful trails. However, as I became aware of climate change and how it was negatively impacting our beautiful planet, I felt compelled to do walk softly and gently on the earth and to do as little harm as possible.
Ted: We are blessed live in Evergreen and being able to witness the cycle of nature in so many ways. Yet we realize how thoughtless consumption is drastically altering our environment. I wish to be an agent of positive change.
Can you give some examples of how you practice a sustainable lifestyle (either related to zero waste, renewable energy, conservation, involvement with the Evergreen Sustainability Alliance, etc.)?
Some examples of sustainable living that we practice are that we grow as much of our food as possible during our short season using no pesticides or herbicides. We also keep a few chickens who recycle kitchen scraps into delicious, organic eggs. We try to buy only organic produce knowing that we are helping with regenerative agriculture as well as our own health. We each drive a Prius and hope to purchase an all– electric vehicle next year. We have as many solar panels on our roof as possible. We support several environmental organizations. We recycle. We invest with social responsibility. We are conscious consumers and trying to live a simpler life. We were also trained at Former Vice President’s Al Gore in his Climate Reality Leadership Program. We presented this program to many community groups. Most importantly, we work to get environmentally friendly candidates elected.
What words of wisdom do you have for someone just getting started on their journey to ‘go green’?
If you are just getting started, go towards that which you are most passionate. Perhaps that is in energy savings, carbon offsets, gardening, or whatever. Just start! It’s empowering to know you are making difference and that it matters.
