Judy Skog

WICEC (Wisconsin Interfaith Climate & Energy Campaign) and Sustain Dane

Today’s Date: 7 July 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

My parents had a cottage on a small lake. I spent hours lying on the dock listening to the water, or in the water, swimming or boating.

We have a dog who needs to be walked daily or else he barks a lot. He gets me outside in all kinds of weather. He is also a wonderful teacher (he pushes my buttons, so I learn what my buttons are.)

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

At the lake.

Now? In my back yard, hanging wash on the clothes line.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

I love the meerkats and the panda. I love how social and inquisitive the meerkats are. And the panda is just special.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Our greatest environmental challenge is living in a truly sustainable fashion (where everybody has enough, and not too much). And in order to achieve this, we MUST get out of Iraq. There will be no money for anything until we’re out of Iraq.

Sadly, the greatest challenge of the future may well be how to live with the horrible mess that my generation has made because we left fixing things until too late. I prefer to think that what I am doing makes enough of a difference, and I am educating as many people as I possibly can along the way, but in my heart of hearts it may not be enough.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Take the time to understand the problem, and then take the steps needed to protect nature and assure that everyone has enough. That includes eating locally and organic, and starting a garden in your own yard.