By Croft McLean
Growing up in a tiny town on the coast of North Carolina was like living in a postcard. It felt like it was just me and my family, the gorgeous beaches, the salty air, and the kind of quiet peace that lets you truly hear the waves crashing. From a very young age, the coast was much more than a vacation spot or the paradise often portrayed in movies; it was a playground, a safe space, a sanctuary, but most importantly, it was home.
The childhood memories that I will cherish the most involve running along the beach, my feet sinking slightly in the sand and running in and out of the water with my childhood dog as he would chase circles around me. My parents, not far off, would be sitting in their chairs, tanning, and lost in their books, probably enjoying the break from such a high energy kid.
The daily exposure to nature was so much more than just playing with my dog. Thinking back, these moments were lessons of the beauty and fragility of our environment and the world around us. I learned the delicate balance of the world, and my interest and passion for conservation and sustainability was created. I wanted to protect these amazing natural forces.
Entering eighth grade marked the true beginning of my passion for environmental conservation, starting with my role as a junior year-round volunteer at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. I learned not just about marine life, but also about the efforts required to preserve our maritime habitats. This experience was truly life changing, as I volunteered for almost seven years and really started to think and care more about proactive steps in environmental advocacy.
In high school, I joined the Surfrider Foundation club, where I was surrounded with other like-minded students who were dedicated to protecting our oceans and beaches. We also grew close connections with the Bogue Banks chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. Our projects ranged from beach and campus clean-ups, to different educational programs, all focused on creating awareness in our community of the environment literally in our backyards.
My deep-rooted connection with nature, shaped by my upbringing in a small coastal town and significant involvement with community conservation efforts, naturally steered me toward #UNLITTER. Here, I am part of a broader movement dedicated to preserving the planet's beauty and health. This role not only aligns with my past experiences but also fuels my commitment to creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment, not just for us, but for future generations.
One day, I hope to sit back with a book on the same beach where I grew up, watching my own children discover the same joy in the nature around them that has always fueled my passion. Every small change we make truly leads to a larger impact. Let’s make sustainability a lifestyle that can begin right in anyone's backyard, no matter where they live. Even for kids in urban settings, regular visits to parks or involvement in community gardens can spark a lifelong appreciation for our environment. This exposure is crucial for fostering a shared commitment to preserving our planet.
All images courtesy of author.
Comments