Elise Birkett, a 19 year old NYU sophomore majoring in Journalism and Environmental
Studies from Carlsbad, CA, is not your typical city dweller.
She has wanted to join the Peace Corps since she was five, she loves hiking, surfing and
composting and is very passionate about the environment. Birkett’s values stand out in a city in which most people are financially driven. She demonstrates that values start at home, and that small teachings can make a big difference: “Environmental consciousness has always been ingrained in me, and I have to thank my mom for that.”
Birkett’s primary concerns are the overuse of plastic and animal agriculture: “Plastic never disappears... people don’t really talk about the effects of animal agriculture on the environment... because it’s such a personal thing.”
In Birkett’s opinion, it’s hard to have environmental conversations without making people feel defensive, which is a roadblock to change: “I think creating channels where we can have an open discussion without judgment about knowing okay I love meat, but it’s not great for the environment... It’s much more effective to educate people with a gentle and understanding heart...” Essentially, vegans can’t judge non-vegans, and vice versa.
”My views aren’t that much different than most people... I have just taken a few of the next steps.” Whether you care because you’d miss instagram worthy Central Park pictures, or you believe in animal rights, we all care about the environment in some capacity. As Birkett demonstrates, change is possible once awareness is turned into small changes in everyday decisions.