Go Green Initiative: Jill Buck

November 3rd, 2008 by HowYouEco

Go Green Initiative: Jill Buck

Jill Buck is founder & executive director of the Go Green Initiative, a comprehensive environmental education program operating in 50 states, Africa, Asia, Canada, Europe and Mexico. Jill, a former Naval Officer and proud mother of three, argues that even after 200 years, Ben Franklin is still the man when we think about what an eco-friendly existence means.

How do you eco?

I like to think of ‘green’ as who I am, not what I do. I’d like to think that I’m the kind of person who wouldn’t knowingly waste anything, and so I try to act accordingly. And I wouldn’t knowingly introduce toxins into my children’s world, and so I try to make sure I don’t. I “eco” by trying to think through the ramifications of my action (or inaction), and when I reach the point when I don’t know the effect of my actions, I try to find out.

Sometimes when my kids make a mistake, they will say, “I didn’t mean to.” And I say, “I believe you, but did you mean not to?” And that question always gets them thinking a little bit harder about what they can do to avoid making the same mistake again.

I think that’s how I “eco”, as well. It’s not good enough to say we didn’t mean to pollute the Earth. What we need to ask is…did we mean not to? And if we “mean not to” then we can be purposeful, thoughtful and determined in each decision we make

Why did you go eco?

My kids. Plain and simple. I love them so much!

Clean air, clean water and clean soil to grow their food in…ample clean energy…these are the foundations of the high standard of living we hope to pass on to our children. We do so much to ensure they have healthy, prosperous future like save for their college education, take them to the doctor for well-child check ups, and make sure they eat healthy food. If we do all these things, but do not also leave them clean water or reliable access to energy…what good have we done?