Admittedly, I’m a bit nervous about going on this trip. I’m the only one whose major is not related to science, environment, engineering and the like. I’m a Fashion and Textile Brand Management and Marketing Major with a minor in Art and Design, and you might be asking: Megan, what are you doing going on this trip?
If you don’t know, the retail industry is the number two industry in polluting. The entire system of “fast fashion” is unsustainable. The consumer’s desire for a product at the lowest price in the quickest amount of time is wrecking havoc our planet. Companies have made these cheap, trendy products happen, without considering the costs on people and our environment. More sustainable products are starting to enter the marketplace (and they are often higher quality) but unless the mass of the market changes it’s mind about the price and quickness of their desires we will not see a change in the industry’s behavior.
As we’ve learned about the industry in my classes, my passion for sustainability on all fronts has grown. I applied for this trip to learn more about solar energy and to be a help for those in need. I have always loved serving people and I am so excited to provide those without energy with a clean, new source.
We continually meet in preparation for our trip to Atascadero, California and after each meeting I get excited all over again. I find myself trying to get educated about solar panels and looking up random facts about the area we are traveling to. All of the members of our team are clearly passionate about this cause and I am counting down the days till we head off on our Solar Spring Break!