Severn Saves the World
Well, maybe we’re exaggerating slightly. But she’s definitely doing her part.
By Jes Markoff
Continued from page 2
What’s more powerful: group activism or individual activism?
I think they’re both extremely valuable but not everybody wants to be a screaming activist. Activism is something that none of us have an excuse not to do; it just takes a little bit of effort and it’s about changing habits. I think making those little shifts resonates with more people than getting involved and going to a big protest. Civil disobedience events and protests are really significant but unless they’re backed up by people who are putting their money where their mouths are, to me, they don’t stand for as much. It’s the action that gives legitimacy to what we say.
What’s the best way to get people involved in switching to more sustainable lifestyle habits?
The most powerful I believe in is leading by example. One of my personal peeves is people using paper or disposable cups for 15 minutes and then throwing it out and then maybe getting another one in the afternoon. It’s such a symbol of the way we’ve been trained to waste, completely unnecessary waste. It’s really hard not to yell at people, or at least be like, “nice disposable cup.” I have my own [reusable cup] and I use it. We have to stop talking about it and just do it.
Why get involved?
It’s really empowering to get involved and to learn about what’s going on in the world and to try to be involved in this outcome. It’s something that has made my life interesting and has allowed me to travel and to meet all kinds of incredibly inspiring people. It has only opened doors of opportunity.
We have to be part of a positive social movement. We have to celebrate our humanity, which is what I think this is really about. I think that that’s the question we’re really asking. What do we want the world to be like? And what is it to be a human being? Is it about simply being about the short term, and simply having lots of stuff and not practicing our culture, religion or community anymore? No. What makes us human is our connection to our community, our connection to the natural world and our connection to each other. It’s a really beautiful and very powerful thing to fight for and to be a part of.
How do you stay positive?
I hang out with my friends. I spend as much time as I can out in nature, just enjoying and feeling connected, and remembering why it’s important to care about these things. And all the amazing, inspiring people that I’ve met that just blow me away with their integrity and dedication to genuinely making this world a better place. It’s quite humbling.
Please visit www.skyfishproject.org for more information and tips on how you can get involved.
