Momma + Daughter On a Quest

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Blog Of The Week

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

by Judi Shils & Erin Schrode of Project Green Challenge

Judi : The Momma

Twenty years ago, I was awaiting the birth of my daughter and immersed in a book called “Diet for a Poison Planet.” In a day, it literally changed my life, making me think about the impact of my daily choices on my health and wellbeing and, at that moment especially, on my unborn child. This book became my mantra. I knew it was my responsibility to ensure that I brought a healthy child into this world and I so my journey began. I finished the book, headed for Real Foods Market in Sausalito and, by the time my then-husband returned home from his job as a teacher in San Francisco, our entire household had become the epitome of green – transformed in two hours from conventional to conscious! This one book reframed my entire perspective, sparked my desire to heal the world for my daughter and her entire generation and completely transformed the way my daughter and I would live our lives forever. And thus began my life of activism! I know so clearly that our choices ARE how we can each make a difference, impacting our planet at the individual level, on our school campuses schools, and in each of our communities. It’s that simple!

• • •

Erin: The Daughter

Being raised by such a conscious and active woman taught me to think critically, seek out sustainable options, be mindful, and question “business as usual.” Organic gardens and local farmers’ markets (our favorite weekend outing), no microwaves whatsoever (far before many of the ‘sound science’ was released), glass and metal containers in place of plastic (yes, I was that kindergartener with the glass water bottle in her backpack), unplugging all electronics (consuming very little power in general), using no-VOC paints (which certainly do come in tween-friendly bubblegum pink)… this was my life from day one, growing up in the little green bubble of Northern California. Active citizenry is in my blood and I cannot imagine my life any other way, nor would I want that. Thank you, momma, for instilling these qualities within me.

• • •

Judi + Erin: Momma + Daughter

Together, “we dream and we do.” Neither of us can stand by and watch an injustice or wrongdoing without taking action. We see life as a journey, filled with opportunities to affect change and collaborate to make the world a safer, healthier, and more just place.

Our philosophy is based in a simple precautionary principle: why risk our wellbeing when we don’t have to? We strive to protect human and environmental health, promoting sustainable and responsible choices and practices in every aspect of life for all species.

We walk-the-talk big time… and oh do we ever have a ball! Our idea of the perfect mother-daughter vacation involves a journey to a far off land, where we can immerse ourselves in another culture and engage with people in a beautiful and meaningful way, seeking to learn how they sustain our world. We love nothing more than walking beaches in search of organic and vegetarian food (easier to find than you may think!), marveling at sustainable innovation and picking up trash (and encouraging others to join us as well!), dancing and smiling all the way. We stay up until all hours of the night, working tirelessly to bring Teens Turning Green projects to life and celebrating its incredible development and impact on the lives of young people and everyone all around the world.

The two of us are ever-the-optimists, seeking out silver linings and believing in the immense power of individual action and collective efforts to achieve the extraordinary. “No” is not a word often heard in our home. With limitless passion, uncompromising dedication, and the most marvelous partner by our side, we are taking on the world… and embracing every single moment.

Genius, global visionary Steve Jobs said, “the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” Well Mr. Jobs, we certainly fit that description and will keep on fighting the good fight. Forever.

Want to join us? Check out Teens Turning Green’s Project Green Challenge, happening right now! 30 days to take your life, school, community and world from conventional to conscious with simple, fun, and high impact steps. This movement is proof that a small group of active and engaged citizens can, indeed, shift local and global paradigms.

Lori Popkewitz Alper of Groovy Green Livin took on the challenge. Learn about her journey from Disposables to Reuseables.

Ready for more? This was just one submission we received for this week’s Blog of the Week (a series where we feature posts from the Healthy Child blogger network). Interested in being a part of this program? Sign-up here!

Photo courtesy Erin Schrode