Voices of Western Colorado: Sustainability

Originally published in the Summer 2020 issue of SPOKE+BLOSSOM.

Sustainability

We asked these Western Slope locals to weigh in on this topic.

RODRIGO IBARRA

Essential Worker — Route Driver 

This year has had a rough start, and it’s become increasingly apparent how essential employees play a big part in the sustainability of communities large and small. As a route driver in the Eagle County area, I witnessed how important it was for us truck drivers to deliver products to stores, gas stations, markets and other small businesses. We have a hand in helping our community to ensure they don’t run out of food or other essential supplies. Everyone working an essential job helps to sustain the community and provide a sense of ease during challenging times. So what does sustainability mean to me? It means we as a community come together and do everything in our power to help in any way possible. We all have a part to play in keeping ourselves and each other happy and healthy.

SHAMAI BUCKEL

Co-Owner of Buckel Family Wine 

Sustainable means buying local, engaging in the community and treading lightly on oneself and the land. This pays homage to future generations’ ability to explore the wonders of life on earth. Sustainability speaks to my desire to play the infinite game. I continually define and redefine my choices, use buying power for the greater good and rethink my needs, all while finding ways to procure products locally. Sustainability is a way of life. It requires one to use their senses: smelling wildflowers on a summertime hike, seeing the vibrant red of tomatoes in a backyard garden and feeling the solid grip of a handshake. Sustainability is an opportunity to ponder not only our own well-being, but of all those within the community and, arguably, the world — to consider the health of our planet and how it is a reflection of our own health, knowing that we have the power to impact the economy and society through our choices and decisions.”

IAN THOMAS

Vice President of Sustainability Council at CMU 

To me, being sustainable is far more than buying locally, composting or riding a bike instead of driving. While it includes all of those things, this concept is dominantly a way forward for society. When I think of what the future looks like, I envision clean air and water, equal societies, healthy food and healthy people. Sustainability is an ethos that touches every part of life, from social systems and global economics, to local business and ecosystems. Western Colorado residents and visitors can buy delicious, locally grown foods directly from a farm or from local businesses — this encourages money to stay in our community and creates a loop that makes us more resilient. Approaching our beautiful public lands from a sustainability viewpoint not only ensures that our children can enjoy the same landscapes we have, but also supports the vital services provided to us by them.