President – Sakyadhita (International Association of Buddhist Women)
Director – Jamyang Foundation
Associate Professor – University of San Diego, Theology & Religious Studies
Today’s Date: Feb. 1, 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
1. My close friendship with my collie dog from age 8-12
2. Getting bitten by a viper in India and almost dying from it
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The woods in Malibu, CA
Now? The mountains overlooking the sea on Oahu, HI
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I love all animals equally, but have a special place in my heart for large furry dogs
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?
1. Environmental pollution
2. Water
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Simplify your life for the benefit of all living beings. Learn to be happy with less and help save the planet.
Received via postal mail
Thanks to my sister Michelle McIlroy for designing the logo!
February 05, 2008
Diane MacEachern
Founder & CEO, Big Green Purse (www.biggreenpurse.com)
Today’s Date: Feb. 4, 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Once I graduated from college, I spent a summer working and hiking in the Tetons, outside Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It was inspiring to live so close to nature.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The simple field across the street from my parents' home
Now? Anywhere near the ocean
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
My dog... a great companion and loving spirit
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?
The greatest challenge is always and ever will be getting clarity on what the right thing to do is, and then doing it. Probably the second greatest challenge is to encourage people to want less when they can have much more.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Waste not, want not.
Today’s Date: Feb. 4, 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Once I graduated from college, I spent a summer working and hiking in the Tetons, outside Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It was inspiring to live so close to nature.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The simple field across the street from my parents' home
Now? Anywhere near the ocean
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
My dog... a great companion and loving spirit
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?
The greatest challenge is always and ever will be getting clarity on what the right thing to do is, and then doing it. Probably the second greatest challenge is to encourage people to want less when they can have much more.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Waste not, want not.
February 02, 2008
Kyla Buckingham
Alternative Consumer
Today’s Date: 1 February 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Working with non-releasable raptors (birds of prey) at a local museum in high school
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Lassen Volcanic National Park - I grew up near it and took frequent trips
Now? The beach!
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Peregrine falcon - it can fly, it's beautiful, strong, great vision, and made a REMARKABLE recovery from near extinction
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?
Over-fishing right now, global warming in the future
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Nature is sacred - preserve it, take care of it, leave it for our children.
Today’s Date: 1 February 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Working with non-releasable raptors (birds of prey) at a local museum in high school
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Lassen Volcanic National Park - I grew up near it and took frequent trips
Now? The beach!
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Peregrine falcon - it can fly, it's beautiful, strong, great vision, and made a REMARKABLE recovery from near extinction
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?
Over-fishing right now, global warming in the future
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Nature is sacred - preserve it, take care of it, leave it for our children.
Allie Almario
Vice President – Myths and Mountains (http://www.mythsandmountains.com/)
Today’s Date: 1 February 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
So many - I worked at a zoo for 11 years and have spent the last 20 years traveling the world to all 7 continents and close to 70 countries specializing in eco-tourism. I would say my encounters in Africa (7 trips) and the Galapagos (12 trips) have made the most impact on me, particularly since I have been involved with combined tourism / conservation efforts in the Galapagos.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
I grew up in NJ, so I'd have to say that I loved the ocean and the Pine Barrens, particularly a tiny little spot called Mt. Misery.
Now? Now I live in Lake Tahoe. It is mesmerizing.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
As a former zoo employee (administration), I'd have to say I was particularly enamored of naked mole rats.
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?
If we don't educate humans about their impact on the environment, we won't be able to do a thing. Start with the children, start with populations in the most remote areas, start with those living in the big cities. They don't realize that what they do NOW in NYC actually impacts Antarctica.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Go travel the world. See what you are destroying. Learn how to be a better human and protect your earth.
"Myths and Mountains is a proud corporate sponsor of READ Global (www.readglobal.org). We contribute $50 from our company profit on behalf of each traveler to this organization. READ Global builds self-sustaining community centers with village libraries at the heart and its pilot site, READ Nepal, is the winner of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's 2006 Access to Learning Award."
Today’s Date: 1 February 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
So many - I worked at a zoo for 11 years and have spent the last 20 years traveling the world to all 7 continents and close to 70 countries specializing in eco-tourism. I would say my encounters in Africa (7 trips) and the Galapagos (12 trips) have made the most impact on me, particularly since I have been involved with combined tourism / conservation efforts in the Galapagos.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
I grew up in NJ, so I'd have to say that I loved the ocean and the Pine Barrens, particularly a tiny little spot called Mt. Misery.
Now? Now I live in Lake Tahoe. It is mesmerizing.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
As a former zoo employee (administration), I'd have to say I was particularly enamored of naked mole rats.
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?
If we don't educate humans about their impact on the environment, we won't be able to do a thing. Start with the children, start with populations in the most remote areas, start with those living in the big cities. They don't realize that what they do NOW in NYC actually impacts Antarctica.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Go travel the world. See what you are destroying. Learn how to be a better human and protect your earth.
"Myths and Mountains is a proud corporate sponsor of READ Global (www.readglobal.org). We contribute $50 from our company profit on behalf of each traveler to this organization. READ Global builds self-sustaining community centers with village libraries at the heart and its pilot site, READ Nepal, is the winner of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's 2006 Access to Learning Award."
January 29, 2008
Anonymous - GNWT
Government of the Northwest Territories, Canada
Today’s Date: January 24, 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
An altercation with a bear that had been wounded by an inexperienced hunter - there is no limit to the level of respect nature deserves.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Great Slave Lake and the Yellowknife River system
Now? same
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
The moose - they are strong; courageous; defend their young; can travel without making a sound; exciting to watch and are an excellent source of protein.
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?
Recognizing that the earth and many of its resources are finite.
Changing human behaviour to minimize our impact on the earth.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We all share responsibility for protecting the environment and ensuring natural resources are not wasted.
Today’s Date: January 24, 2007
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
An altercation with a bear that had been wounded by an inexperienced hunter - there is no limit to the level of respect nature deserves.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Great Slave Lake and the Yellowknife River system
Now? same
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
The moose - they are strong; courageous; defend their young; can travel without making a sound; exciting to watch and are an excellent source of protein.
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?
Recognizing that the earth and many of its resources are finite.
Changing human behaviour to minimize our impact on the earth.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
We all share responsibility for protecting the environment and ensuring natural resources are not wasted.
January 28, 2008
Swami Amritarupananda
The Divine Life Society
Secretary - The Clean Himalaya Society
Today’s Date: 27 January 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
The inspiration and peace derived from living near the banks of the Ganges River and foothills of the Himalayas.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
I lived in West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada as a child. We lived on a mountainside overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Everything was beautiful there. No particular favourite place
Now? Ganges and Himalayas
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I have no particular favourite animal. I am more attracted to wild animals as they seem closer to nature. (Except wild monkeys as they destroy our gardens!)
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?
Global Warming and in future perhaps a water shortage.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Each one of us should do whatever is within our power to care for the environment and in particular help reduce Global Warming, even if it is just to change the type of light bulb we use, drive less and use public transport, recycle etc. etc. We should never think that as an individual we can do nothing. The power of individual action can be very great, not only as an example, but because it has an effect on consciousness, positive or negative. As consciousness is not limited, what we do is not limited.
Secretary - The Clean Himalaya Society
Today’s Date: 27 January 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
The inspiration and peace derived from living near the banks of the Ganges River and foothills of the Himalayas.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
I lived in West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada as a child. We lived on a mountainside overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Everything was beautiful there. No particular favourite place
Now? Ganges and Himalayas
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I have no particular favourite animal. I am more attracted to wild animals as they seem closer to nature. (Except wild monkeys as they destroy our gardens!)
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?
Global Warming and in future perhaps a water shortage.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Each one of us should do whatever is within our power to care for the environment and in particular help reduce Global Warming, even if it is just to change the type of light bulb we use, drive less and use public transport, recycle etc. etc. We should never think that as an individual we can do nothing. The power of individual action can be very great, not only as an example, but because it has an effect on consciousness, positive or negative. As consciousness is not limited, what we do is not limited.
January 26, 2008
Choudhury Gourahari Mishra
The Clean Himalaya Society
Reverend Swami Amritarupananda Saraswati of the Divine Life Society (also Secretary of the Clean Himalaya) has forwarded the questionnaire to me because of my background as a former Head of the Zoo, a former Chief Wildlife Warden as well as a former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of a state in India. I have also been a Life Member of the Divine Life Society and an Executive Member of the Clean Himalayas. I am happy to learn that you were also involved in Zoo management. The following is my response to your queries:
Today’s Date: 26 January 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Having spent my entire career spread over the last 48 years on the lap of Mother Nature and in caring for it and its animals, birds as well as the forest-dwellers it has taught me many lessons. The close relationship of ourselves with Nature is such that everything we perceive, inert as well as alive, both animate and inanimate, will be found to have a place and a purpose, apart from their own place and purpose, in our evolution.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
In my childhood, the sea beach was a great attraction to play and the sun rise on the sea was a great sight to enjoy.
Now? Now, the Himalayas --- its sylvan solitude and the magnificent natural setting along with the majestic mother Ganga (a highly revered river) which meanders its course through it.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
As a Zoo Head, I clearly admit that I loved all my animals and birds etc. Again, as a professional Wildlifer and Forester, I have learnt many valuable tips and lessons from them. It would need volumes to describe that.
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?
To manage the Climate Change is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now. The greatest challenge of the future seems to be making available an alternative and cost-effective source of energy in place of fossil fuel.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Our survival is indeed intricately inter-woven with Nature. We are not masters but only mere Trustees for future.
Reverend Swami Amritarupananda Saraswati of the Divine Life Society (also Secretary of the Clean Himalaya) has forwarded the questionnaire to me because of my background as a former Head of the Zoo, a former Chief Wildlife Warden as well as a former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of a state in India. I have also been a Life Member of the Divine Life Society and an Executive Member of the Clean Himalayas. I am happy to learn that you were also involved in Zoo management. The following is my response to your queries:
Today’s Date: 26 January 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Having spent my entire career spread over the last 48 years on the lap of Mother Nature and in caring for it and its animals, birds as well as the forest-dwellers it has taught me many lessons. The close relationship of ourselves with Nature is such that everything we perceive, inert as well as alive, both animate and inanimate, will be found to have a place and a purpose, apart from their own place and purpose, in our evolution.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
In my childhood, the sea beach was a great attraction to play and the sun rise on the sea was a great sight to enjoy.
Now? Now, the Himalayas --- its sylvan solitude and the magnificent natural setting along with the majestic mother Ganga (a highly revered river) which meanders its course through it.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
As a Zoo Head, I clearly admit that I loved all my animals and birds etc. Again, as a professional Wildlifer and Forester, I have learnt many valuable tips and lessons from them. It would need volumes to describe that.
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?
To manage the Climate Change is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now. The greatest challenge of the future seems to be making available an alternative and cost-effective source of energy in place of fossil fuel.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Our survival is indeed intricately inter-woven with Nature. We are not masters but only mere Trustees for future.
January 24, 2008
John L. “Johnny” Morris
Founder – Bass Pro Shops
Today’s Date: 20 January 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Hard to pick just one. Being hooked up to the giant bluefin tuna is right up there – connected to such a beautiful, powerful animal on the Cabana boats(?) in the gin clear water of the gulf states is awesome(?).
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Trapping minnows and seining crawdads & float fishing Ozarks rivers and streams & later the lakes for bass – smallmouth & largemouth – with my Dad when I was a boy
Now? Anyplace – hunting or fishing with my son & other family or friends
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Our ol’ dog Barkley – I love him!
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?
No answer given
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
No answer given
Received via postal mail – the answers were handwritten, and I have done my best to type them up, although a couple of words I am not sure of, which are indicated by (?)s.
Today’s Date: 20 January 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Hard to pick just one. Being hooked up to the giant bluefin tuna is right up there – connected to such a beautiful, powerful animal on the Cabana boats(?) in the gin clear water of the gulf states is awesome(?).
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Trapping minnows and seining crawdads & float fishing Ozarks rivers and streams & later the lakes for bass – smallmouth & largemouth – with my Dad when I was a boy
Now? Anyplace – hunting or fishing with my son & other family or friends
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Our ol’ dog Barkley – I love him!
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?
No answer given
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
No answer given
Received via postal mail – the answers were handwritten, and I have done my best to type them up, although a couple of words I am not sure of, which are indicated by (?)s.
January 23, 2008
Charlene Johnson
Minister of Environment and Conservation – Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Today’s Date: 16 January 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
My interaction with forests had the most profound impact as I ended up in the field of forest engineering.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The hiking trails behind the school I attended
Now? Signal Hill walking trail
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Monkey as it acts similar to humans and its paternalistic nature
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?
Both now and in the future the biggest challenge will be reducing greenhouse gases.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Big or small, we can all have an impact!
Received via postal mail
Today’s Date: 16 January 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
My interaction with forests had the most profound impact as I ended up in the field of forest engineering.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The hiking trails behind the school I attended
Now? Signal Hill walking trail
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Monkey as it acts similar to humans and its paternalistic nature
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?
Both now and in the future the biggest challenge will be reducing greenhouse gases.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Big or small, we can all have an impact!
Received via postal mail
Alona Yefimenko
Indigenous Peoples’ Secretariat – Arctic Council
Today’s Date: 15 January 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
The biggest impact was when I visited my father at his reindeer camp at age 9-10. We have been moving very often from one place to another in searching for the good pastures. When we were not moving, we were playing or sewing. I still remember how happy I was far from the civilization.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Tundra or forest, river or lake
Now? The same, but in a different dimension
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
My favourite animals are reindeer and a gopher (we had many of them around our herds).
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?
It is difficult to predict your life schedule with the weather change. The greatest challenge will be to adapt to a new environmental conditions (new species, new housing, new places).
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Think of new generations
Respect aboriginal lands
Give more and take less
Received via postal mail
Today’s Date: 15 January 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
The biggest impact was when I visited my father at his reindeer camp at age 9-10. We have been moving very often from one place to another in searching for the good pastures. When we were not moving, we were playing or sewing. I still remember how happy I was far from the civilization.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Tundra or forest, river or lake
Now? The same, but in a different dimension
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
My favourite animals are reindeer and a gopher (we had many of them around our herds).
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?
It is difficult to predict your life schedule with the weather change. The greatest challenge will be to adapt to a new environmental conditions (new species, new housing, new places).
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Think of new generations
Respect aboriginal lands
Give more and take less
Received via postal mail
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