“Napkins, let’s check the napkins.” Janet Reeves walks over to observe the napkin dispenser on the wall of Peaberry’s. Unfortunately, recycled napkins are not being used in the café. While others may just walk out the door feeling powerless to evoke a change, Reeves takes the matter up at the front counter. Even though the manager is not available to hear her concern, she takes the opportunity to enlighten the barista. In a friendly, upbeat tone she explains that since recyclable napkins are more cost effective, it’s something the manager should consider switching to. In two minutes Reeves was able to present a better alternative that Peaberry’s might now be interested in trying.

Environmental advocate, Janet Reeves is a dedicated individual who utilizes the power of communication to make a difference every day. Whether she is presenting an effective option like recyclable napkins or discussing legislation with committee members, Reeves shows how effortless the task becomes once you get started.

Although Reeves has attended events such as the Climate Control Rally in Washington D.C., there are still ways in which she advocates environmentalism in her local community. The most important issue with environmentalism is “helping individuals realize that each individual counts.” To promote the arctic issue, Reeves uses her polar bear Discover card for purchases, and when cashiers comment on the cute animal, she lets them know that the bears need help. Who would have thought that raising awareness could be that easy?

Growing up in the Mahoning Valley of Ohio as well as having a father who was a steel mill worker are some experiences that fueled Reeves passion for the environment. In addition, her given profession of nursing only added to the fire. She explains, “As I worked in my profession, the number of cancer cases were not going down even though the mills were gone and the amount of respiratory illness was not going down.” Through her profession, she was able to see the impact that these plants were having on the environment and the community’s health. Reeves says, “we’ve already harmed ourselves and part of it was because we just didn’t know any better and that’s really not an excuse anymore.”

Reeves suggests that people pick one thing to change (i.e. using fluorescent bulbs) and focus energy on changing that one thing. Then making additional changes and transitions to being “green” will not be so difficult. The following are some environmentally friendly things that Reeves does in her home:

• Clean with natural products like vinegar;
• Unplug anything that does not need to be plugged in or use outlet strips with an energy star, so you can activate an entire room rather than unplug everything; and
• Transition to a tankless water heater, or if you have a tank, wrap it in a nontoxic insulation blanket to keep in the heat.

Anyone can be an environmental advocate. It simply involves daily communication with others, and you can’t be afraid to approach the people who have power and are in charge. However, if being an advocate is not for you, there are still other ways to help protect the environment—if everyone changes one small thing for their household, those small changes turn into bigger changes that will have a greater impact.