Something that always fascinates me about different parts of our country (which is already great) and other parts of the world is how each place defines sustainability and how often the subject enters the everyday person’s conversations. I realize now that I went into environmental studies at Seattle University to gain the skills to navigate and understand these conversations in all of the places I go. My passion of working with and for people in general almost forces me to join this conversation. I do not think one day went by during my time in Seattle when I did not talk about the issues that face our planet and our well being as humans. Topics about humankind’s relationship with our environment, solutions to curb the effects of climate change, and analyzing strategic plans to move past fossil fuel use come up often, even with strangers on the bus.

Whenever I went home to Los Angeles over breaks, I found that I could not necessarily have these conversations as often or with the people in my immediate surroundings. I have had extended family members ask me about the “hippy granola people” of the Pacific Northwest who like to spend time smoking marijuana in the forest while trying to mimic bird calls. Some people even asked me how I would get a job after graduation having studied urban sustainability and inquired about when I would be moving back in with my parents.

Moving to Detroit, I knew that these conversations might be even more limited. Why would a city that has experienced so much pain over the last few decades be concerned with our environment and initiatives toward a more sustainable future? True enough, I have had a difficult time talking about these subjects with people in Michigan. I know that people working at urban farms and gardens in the city and others working on public transportation and sustainable development initiatives have these conversations regularly. What about the everyday Detroiter or Michigander?

I would not want to say that I am giving up, but often times when I bring up climate change in a social or even educational setting, people turn away or quickly change the conversation. I definitely slowed down and found other topics in which to engage with my peers.

A few weeks ago, I caught up on the phone with my old boss, Becki, from Seattle University Grounds and Landscaping Department. We started to talk like we always had, especially about issues surrounding climate change and how humankind approaches problems in different ways. This conversation made me realize that my first six months here in Detroit has been a time for listening and learning about the city’s people, its history, its present, and its future. I missed those conversations with Becki so much and now know that my time has come to find a way to implement my passion for these topics into the daily conversation of Detroit. I want to explore how sustainable development and smaller community initiatives can truly drive (I mean transport via light rail) the city forward. This realization does not mean that I am going to be invasive with how I approach the conversation. I look forward to meeting you at your level and having an open mind just as long as you also keep your mind open.

Stay tuned to find out how the conversation is going!