A Guide to Being Glamorously Green

INSPIRATIONAL GIRLS, October 2010, by Alexandra Pearson

A Guide to Being
Glamorously Green

Not to say that crossing the street in 5-inch Jimmy Choo high heels isn’t heroic, but a new trend is on the rise in America’s urban cities that is considerably more gallant: muddy sneakers. While many Canadian GCDA readers may take for granted living amongst or nearby the "great outdoors" on a daily basis, that's not the case for your city slicking sisters down south. The ones in the urban American cities, that is!

That’s right, this past summer, your fellow fashionistas across the U.S. tied up their hair, traded their summer dresses for cutoffs, and saved the world one natural preserve at a time.

Meet Chanel Ramirez (watch her video). She lived up to her historically illustrious first name, showing independence and initiative by joining the Nature Conservancy’s LEAF (Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future) program for high school students this past summer.

She set herself apart by getting out of New York City and in touch with her natural side- meanwhile getting paid as a hard-working intern. Not only did she learn how she can do her part to help support the earth we all live on, but she learned a vital lesson in how to support herself. Chanel is a walking example of how gorgeous it is to go green, now boasting confidence, purpose and resolve from her experience that she will carry for the rest of her life.

An 18-year old recent graduate of the High School for Environmental Studies in New York City, Chanel isn’t just your typical teenager. Yes, she loves the latest fashion trends and never leaves home without her cell phone. But during her summers Chanel leaves the bright lights of the big city behind to get back to basics.

The program is “huge in my school,” remarked Chanel. “It’s kind of like prom.”

Having visited family in the Dominican Republic at a young age, Chanel knew she wanted to get involved in the environmental movement. She would spend hours sitting on the beach admiring how beautiful the world is. It was during this time she knew she had to experience more.

Being accepted to the program was Chanel’s ticket. But it came with its fair share of challenges, “It was my first time away from the city, away from my family and friends. It was my first time being on my own. “

Spending time in the outdoors was an eye opening experience for Chanel, “I love nature. It’s such a contrast from the train and the buildings and the concrete.” Fending off mosquitoes and finding a love of frogs, Chanel was a long away from the concrete jungle of New York City.

“When you really step out of your comfort zone and really go out of your way to be with nature and interact with it and learn from it, it really changes you. It starts something in you and you start to see the world differently. You change your entire outlook on life. You think twice about the products you are buying or how you’re going to spend your money or what you want to do for the rest of your life.”

While Chanel earned $9/hour as part of the program and had to budget for transportation, meals and activities, her takeaway was priceless, “It’s an amazing feeling to know that you care for something and that what you are doing is making a difference.”

Chanel’s advice for other girls who want to leave their comfort zone and pursue their dreams, “Really put yourself and your heart into it.”

And how about joining the green movement? “Just do it.”

~ Alexandra