So often people ask me how I became so passionate about protecting our planet and encouraging others to do their part so I thought I would start this blog by sharing my journey. I grew up spending most of my time outdoors in nature whether it was playing with friends, riding my bike, exploring the hills nearby or camping nearly every other weekend with my family. My passion for being in nature started in my childhood but it wasn’t until my mid twenties that I made the connection about how my individual actions either help or harm that nature that I had grown to cherish.

A little over 10 years ago I decided to pursue a masters degree in Humanities. The first course I took required me to read Walden by Henry David Thoreau and shockingly this was the first time I had ever done so. This book led me to search out an environmental course the next semester and from there I ended up transferring schools to allow me to take more courses focused on the environment.

I next took a course called “Simple Living” and this is what ultimately changed the trajectory of my life. During this course I found my passion and knew that I would then do everything I could do to dedicate my career and life to protecting the environment. This wasn’t easy but I was able to take small steps toward this goal that ultimately led me to where I am today. I am fortunate to say that I have been doing environmental work full time now for a little more than eight years. My work focuses on reducing impact for a large corporation and educating the employees about how they can become better environmental stewards. I love my work and thought that it would be a good idea to begin to share my experience and ideas with a broader audience so Verde Chic is that outlet. I hope you will follow me I as continue my journey and share your experiences as well.