Spotlight on Britany Greenwalt
/BY CARA SCHAEFER
Walking along a trail, you spot a flash of color, perhaps an early spring wildflower. You bend down for a closer look and find a plastic wrapper instead.
That’s why Midwestern outdoorswoman and environmentalist Britany Greenwalt started the 11th Essential: to clean up our public lands. Her goal is to convince you to add the “11th essential,” a trash bag, to your pack when getting ready for your next outdoor adventure.
Please note: This interview includes a reference to adult material.
BRITANY GREENWALT IS THE FOUNDER OF THE 11TH ESSENTIAL (PHOTO COURTESY BRITANY GREENWALT)
OUT THERE: Why is environmental stewardship important to you?
BRITANY GREENWALT: As someone who enjoys outdoor recreation, I want others to be able to enjoy it in its natural state. I want generations to enjoy it. I want my nieces and nephews to enjoy it how it was meant to be: natural, not with trash or messed up by people.
OT: What is the mission of the 11th Essential, and what does that look like in practice?
BG: The main mission of the 11th Essential is to encourage everyone to add that extra bag to their essential items, no matter what type of recreation they’re going out to do. We want everyone to be prepared to leave it better and to do their part in lessening the impact that they have on the environment. Our mission is to encourage people to see stewardship as a day-to-day practice, not an overwhelming burden. Not something where, “Oh I have to schedule this huge clean up.” No, instead, “I’m going on a hike.” Every hike can be an opportunity to practice stewardship!
OT: Is there any outdoor place you have a special connection to, and if so, why?
BG: The Hocking Hills in Ohio is the biggest one, because that is truly where the 11th Essential was born. I grew up in the Hocking Hills, in the surrounding state parks. Not only is it beautiful and geologically and historically diverse, it really is just a magical place. So teaching my nieces all about outdoor stewardship and the Ten Essentials, and cleaning up down there, is really what made me see the need for messaging around outdoor stewardship.
OT: What’s the most surprising piece of trash you’ve found out in nature?
BG: I’ve found a pocket pussy, which makes for a rather funny story, but it is also really disgusting. I found the top of a laminator in the same state forest, which is even funnier. Those two items are definitely the top of the “How in the heck? Or why in the heck?”
OT: How can we as individuals better care for our environment?
BG: Being aware of our impact is the best way that we can care. Even the most well-educated outdoors person can still find ways to improve their impact, whether it be how they recreate or just little things. They’re part of a bigger world that we really need to be very conscious of when it comes to every decision we make in regards to the outdoors.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
You learn more about the 11th Essential at 11thessential.org, and on Instagram @11thessential.
You can follow Britany on Instagram @britanyinwanderland.
