Green Spotlight: Tyler Wilson
Tyler is a sustainability educator at The Environmental Center, helping to deliver our growing EarthSmart program to even more schools. He 
teaches at Bear Creek Elementary, Pine Ridge Elementary, and Jewell Elementary. Tyler’s creativity and education background are a great asset to our youth ed team; he’s even provided our lessons with some refreshing updates! You can spot him riding his bike all over town, strapped down with EarthSmart materials – even our worm compost bin.
More about Tyler in his own words…
Where can we find you when you’re not working?
Hopefully outside! Whether I’m biking, hiking, running, or cross-country skiing, I love moving around in nature. When I’m out on a quiet road or trail, I feel more alive. I breathe more deeply, think more freely, and exist in a genuine way I rarely feel indoors.
If you were to share a lecture on one topic you’re passionate about, what would you discuss?
I would share a lecture on the what, why, and how of mindfulness: what it is, why it’s important, and how to incorporate it into your busy life.
Recently, I have become very interested in mindfulness and meditation. For the past month, I’ve been trying to meditate a little bit every day. For a few minutes every morning, I simply sit still and observe my thoughts. This practice has been helping me to live in the present moment. When I am more present and mindful, I am more flexible and creative when problems arise. Also, I am better able to achieve goals both large and small.
What’s your favorite sustainable practice at home?
I love cooking and eating delicious vegan food! In terms of personal sustainability, eating a plant-based diet is one of the best things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. According to the book Drawdown, a “Plant-Rich Diet” is the 4th most important change humans can make to reverse climate change. Also, vegan food is delicious and fun! If you’re want to learn more about vegan cooking, check out the vegan cookbook section at the public library.