The Going Greener Today Story

Hi, I’m Veronique – Thanks for joining me here at Going Greener Today!

Like many people, my love for nature began as a young child. Whether I was exploring tide pools along the beach on vacation, observing the creatures in my backyard, or just reading books about the natural world, I was amazed by all of it. When the time came to decide on a major in college, my heart eventually led me to a program where I could dive deeper into the one subject that had always fascinated me. I decided to focus my studies on ecology and conservation.

During my years studying ecology and environmental issues in undergraduate and graduate school, I learned about wetlands, coral reefs, rainforests, soil, and other ecosystems. I had opportunities to spend time in the field studying species diversity and interactions between animals, plants, and their environment. The more I learned, the more my admiration and respect for nature grew. I was especially interested in understanding more about how humans were changing and affecting Earth’s ecosystems, so I focused my research on these topics at every opportunity. Along the way, I became more aware of the many problems threatening the health of our environment. And while all that I discovered saddened me, it also ignited a new passion within me. I hoped to one day find a way to join the movement and actively take part in protecting nature and our amazing planet.

After graduating, I spent several years as a middle school science teacher. I always looked forward to teaching my students about the natural world and ways they could help take care of the environment. And it was through this experience that I realized firsthand the true importance of environmental education.

A new level of personal awareness 

In early 2020, I began working on a children’s book manuscript that explored the topic of waste. My goal was to help kids understand what waste really is, all of the problems it causes for our planet, and, of course, what they can do to reduce it. Little did I know then how much this book idea would eventually change so many aspects of my life!

As I immersed myself in gathering information for this project, my own awareness grew to a whole new level. I realized just how much had changed since my college years… and it wasn’t for the better. Some environmental problems had become much more urgent, and others had just started gaining attention in recent years. At the same time, I discovered so many new tips, trends, products, and movements aimed at reducing our environmental impact and protecting the natural world.

Reducing my footprint, step by step

As my awareness grew, I made changes, one by one, to reduce my own footprint. With my new perspective on “waste,” I challenged myself to use less and throw less away. I started a backyard compost bin, discovered new ways to recycle, and made all kinds of changes to the way I shopped. Reusables became a regular part of my daily life. At home, I switched to plastic-free products wherever possible and changed my laundry, dishwashing, and cleaning routines. I started a vegetable patch in my yard and installed solar panels on my roof. I also discovered an amazing new passion for plant-based cooking!

My connection with nature also became stronger as I began consciously doing more to support local wildlife. I transformed a sunny spot next to my patio into a beautiful pollinator garden, using as many native plants as possible. Inspired by the Now Mow May movement, I stopped maintaining sections of my backyard to boost plant diversity and help pollinators. It was amazing to see the diversity of wildflowers, trees, ferns, and other plants that began filling in these areas where there used to be short grass… all by just “letting nature grow.” With more options for food and shelter now available around my yard, it wasn’t long before I noticed more birds, butterflies, bees, and other little visitors stopping by!

These few years of personal awakening and change had taught me so much, but I knew there was still so much yet to discover. So I kept on digging, one question leading to another, and my awareness continued to evolve and grow.

The more I learned, the more I wanted to know — and the more I wanted to share!

How Going Greener Today came to be

So, I decided to embark on a new project. The thought of combining my passions for environmental protection and education, research, and writing both energized and excited me.

I envisioned creating a place where I could share the many tips, facts, and resources I had gathered along my own “eco-journey.” A place that could help raise awareness about the many environmental issues that threaten the health of our planet. A place that could help inspire people to strengthen their own connection with the Earth and natural world. And a place where people could come to get new ideas on how to embrace more sustainable ways of living.

It all took much longer than I thought it would to come together, but eventually, I had a clear vision of how to bring it to life. And so, Going Greener Today came to be!

Joining hands to protect our planet

For me, learning how to reduce my own personal impact on the Earth has been rewarding, fulfilling, and truly life-changing. My hope is that the information I share here can help others experience the same along their own “eco-journey”, too.

Together, our collective actions can make a difference. The future health of our beautiful Earth, our shared home, is depending on us.

Let’s connect on social media! Join me on Facebook and Instagram @goinggreenertoday

 

Looking for some quick ways to kick-start your sustainable living journey? Check out my post, The quick start guide to Going Greener: Shrink your footprint today!. Here, you will find 22 powerful ways to reduce your impact and help protect nature.

 

Questions or comments?

I would love to hear from you! Please email me at veronique@goinggreenertoday.com

 

“Taking steps together to leave smaller footprints behind.”