OPL Spotlight: A Love of Nature Sparked a Focus on Sustainability for Yvonne Dwyer

OPL Spotlight: A Love of Nature Sparked a Focus on Sustainability for Yvonne Dwyer

“It’s not something I have to force” is how Yvonne Dwyer describes her focus on sustainability.

 

For Yvonne Dwyer, sustainability has become an extension of a lifestyle immersed in nature. As a Master Naturalist and writer for One Planet Life, Dwyer places particular importance on sharing how the natural world can enrich our lives.

“This is stuff that I’ve been interested in my entire life,” she said. “I can remember back to when I was five, six years old, creating my own fort out of bifold doors in the woods.”

While working for REI, Dwyer found joy in having an outlet to share her love of the outdoors. When the Pittsburgh store where she was employed closed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, it was time to reinvent herself. Lorie Buckingham, a lifelong friend of Dwyer, asked if she would like to write for her new sustainability-focused website, One Planet Life.

“I was applying for the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist program, so it seemed to be a good fit,” she said. “It makes us more credible to people than just sharing information. We are doing the things that we’re talking about. It’s important to be authentic and genuine in whatever you do.”

And it’s easy to see that Dwyer carries that authenticity into her work.

Sharing the Good News About Nature

As a naturalist, Dwyer aims to create stories that inspire positive messages. Getting out into nature is her best method.

“There’s research now where doctors are prescribing nature instead of medicine; that’s so wonderful,” she said. “Taking in the woods, the smell of the Balsam. You can’t recreate that. You’re using all of your senses.”

Enjoying the journey – not just the destination – when taking a walk in nature can be one of the best ways to encourage sustainable living because you’re experiencing the beauty at stake. 

“People go from point A to point B, or I’ll say point A to point C and totally miss what’s happening in point B – the journey,” she said. “The red newt salamander you might see on the ground or a mushroom – there’s always something unusual happening in the woods, no matter what time of year you’re going there. It doesn’t have to be in the woods; you can be in a city park or your neighborhood.”

Yvonne on a hike
Dwyer encourages a “big picture” perspective to get the most out of outdoor adventures.

“The big picture for me is to use all of my senses, create a story, and inspire others to go out and take it all in,” she said. “Just to go out and explore and see what happens. See what your senses pick up.” 

She’s also found inspiration in the naturalists who have come before her, women like Robin Wall Kimmerer and Anne LaBastille.

“Women like that inspire me,” she said. “It’s not that John Muir and [Ralph Waldo] Emerson and [Aldo] Leopold don’t – they inspire me to, but it’s cool to listen to what women are doing, their journeys, and how they’re affecting things that are happening. They’re not just sitting by; they’re on the park agency committee or a land trust committee. When we work together with everybody in diversity across the board, we all win.”

Nature offers a wonderful path toward more sustainable living. There is a tremendous amount of free information from naturalists like Dwyer, who are eager to share what they know. And there are inspiring online communities like One Planet Life and other apps. 

“There are more ways than ever to educate and inform people about what is happening in our natural world, share that, and hopefully inspire others to go out and observe – maybe use iNaturalist or eBird, one of these apps. They can easily become citizen scientists, helping with climate change or bird migration.”

Committing to a Natural (and Local) Lifestyle

When Dwyer had her first child over 30 years ago, she focused on providing as much natural sustenance for her family as possible. 

“We ate naturally. Our water was filtered, and I grew my own vegetables,” said Dwyer. “One of the reasons why it became important to grow my own vegetables is because the baby food company we bought our food from had glass in it. So I grew the vegetables, pureed them, put them in little ice cube trays, and froze them. That spurred my love for gardening.”

She remembered the guidance her grandmother offered as well. 

“My grandmother was a big inspiration for my cooking,” she shared. “She told me, ‘When you get married, you never feed your family from a box.’ I never did.” 

The One Planet Life Team
What she couldn’t grow on her own, Dwyer sourced as much as she could from local farmers.

“I think what started me on my journey shopping locally is that my oldest son was diagnosed with leukemia when he was three and a half,” she shared. “At the time, commercial farmers were putting in antibiotics and growth hormones. I wasn’t aware of what was being injected into our animals and how that would have an effect. So I found a farm near us.” 

Shopping for pasture-raised meat, eggs, and dairy at a little farm store provided Dywer with transparency and freshness not often available at the supermarket. 

“Our country exists on small businesses,” she said. “If we don’t protect small businesses, we are going to be locked down with the big businesses, their costs, and all the things that go along with it – our selection of choices may be lowered, protection for our workers, our natural resources. We can’t have a monopoly. We need to protect our small business owners to help preserve them.” 

Joining Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs), shopping for what is currently in season, and learning ways to preserve fresh food at home through freezing and canning are great ways to lower your carbon footprint when it comes to eating sustainably.

“I try to encourage people to join CSAs because you’re not only helping the farmer, you are also saving money in the end,” Dwyer said. “If you go to your local farmer or CSA, you won’t pay as much as you do in the big box grocery stores. It’s going to be fresher because it came from right here.”

She tries to encourage others by giving them samples to try. Once tasting the difference in freshness, it’s easy to make the switch to local.

“If you’re buying in season, you’ll be getting the freshest food,” she added. “It can be sustained if you buy extra, put it in your freezer, or make a soup out of it, put it in your freezer, and you can have it during the winter months when produce selection is a little bit lower.”

And the best part of it all?

“It’s relationship building,” Dwyer said. “You never know who you’ll meet at one of these little places that might become your best friend, someone to walk with. There are a lot of people from COVID who are still wary of going to these big box stores. You go into smaller businesses and somehow feel a little bit safer. You feel a little bit more welcome.”

Through a lifetime love affair with the outdoors, a keen interest in learning about the natural world, and dedication to providing her family with fresh, natural meals, Dwyer’s sustainability journey has been decades in the making.

“All the things that I do, it’s natural,” she said. “It’s not something I have to force.”

And that mentality shouldn’t seem so difficult – returning to our roots. After all, our climate crisis has only been accelerating within the past few decades. If we all make an effort to support our local food chain, consume the plethora of free resources available from experts, and revel in the wonder of the outdoors, a sustainable lifestyle could quickly become “natural” for all of us.

 You can read more about Yvonne’s Sustainability Journey here:

My Journey to Reduce My Carbon Footprint Started With Trash

An Easy Guide to Backyard Composting

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and REFILL to Benefit the Planet

The staff at One Planet Life are serious about sustainable living. That’s why we decided to share the struggles and successes of our individual sustainability journeys. We will share tips directly from our team members, curated through authentic personal experience. We hope that by sharing our stories, we can help foster a community committed to helping each other – and the planet!

Read about One Planet Life Founder Lorie Buckingham’s sustainability Journey.

Packing It Out: Learning More About “Leave No Trace”

Packing It Out: Learning More About “Leave No Trace”

The Leave No Trace (LNT) principle brings attention to the conservation, preservation, and protection of our parks and ecosystems.

The Leave No Trace (LNT) idea dates back to the 18th century and has increased in popularity in recent years as we have become more aware of the impending climate disaster Earth is facing.  

Since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic, many have found solace in heading outside to release stress and anxiety and find joy in nature and recreation. It’s a wonderful feeling to experience the natural world around you: crisp air, beautiful vistas, and the quiet humming of wildlife as you embark on your outdoor adventure.  Excursions are great for your physical and mental well-being – an opportunity to reflect and be mindful of the planet that sustains you.

But the peace and wonder you feel can quickly be interrupted by the sight of trash along your path. Your mind may begin racing with questions about how the rubbish came to be abandoned.  You may feel frustrated with how humans treat our planet or concerned about the short- and long-term consequences litter will have on our ecosystem.  

Refuse Decomposition: A Sobering Reality

Litter decomposes differently depending on the material.  Below are a few examples of commonly-abandoned trash and how long they will linger:

  • Glass, Styrofoam, and tin foil never decompose.
  • Plastic can take two to one million years to decompose, depending on its composition.
  • Aluminum cans take 80 to 100 years to disintegrate.
  • Conventional chewing gum – the world’s second most common form of litter – is not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose due to the synthetic plastic polymers used in its creation.
  • Animal poop in a knotted bag can take ten to twenty years to decompose.
  • Paper products will disintegrate in two to six weeks.
  • Fruit and their skins will decompose from six months to two years.
  • Rubber tires in a landfill will decompose within fifty to eighty years.

FUN FACT:

You can find gum that is better for the environment and made with natural ingredients, similar to what the ancient Mayans made from chicle, a form of rubber that is biodegradable and can disintegrate in two weeks. 

There is a way you can help, and it starts with awareness of the Leave No Trace principle.

Take Only Pictures, Leave Only Footprints.  There are seven main tenants of the Leave No Trace principle: 

  • Plan ahead and prepare.  Before you go on an excursion, consider what you need to protect yourself and the place you are visiting. For tips, check out our OPL blogs about Planning for a Successful Outdoor Adventure. What to Wear and What to Pack.
    • Select clothing and gear to protect yourself from outdoor elements.
    • Avoid traveling alone, as unexpected things can happen. 
    • Always leave a message with a family member or friend about your outdoor plan, the time you plan to return, and what to do if you do not return as scheduled.  
    • Carry a lightweight, waterproof tarp or emergency blanket to use as an emergency shelter.  
    • Carry extra food and water. Trail food such as nuts, dried fruit, dark chocolate, hard salami, and hard cheese cubes are good options to take with you on an excursion.
    • Do not take any unnecessary risks, especially if the weather turns foul, daylight is nearing an end, or you or someone in your party becomes ill.
    • If you think that you are lost, stay where you are and try to remain calm. Only continue traveling once you know where you are.  
    • Three of anything (shouts, whistles, flashes of light, etc.) is a standard distress signal. Only use these in emergencies.
  • Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Stay on marked trails to prevent unnecessary scarring of the landscape and avoid damaging vegetation, organisms, and waterways. 
  • If camping, choose a surface that is durable
  • Dispose of waste properly.  Ensure that any waste you generate is carried with you (also referred to as “packing it out”) and deposited in a waste receptacle at the end of your hike.
  • Leave what you find. Enjoy the wildflowers, plants, fungi, and trees but do not collect them without permission.
  • Minimize campfire impact.  Become familiar with fire safety and containment, and ensure that fires are never left unattended.
  • Respect wildlife. Quietly view wildlife and birdwatch without disturbing them.  You can use the eBird app to help you identify them and help scientists track the habits of these animals.  Never feed wildlife.
  • Be considerate of others.  Refrain from shouting or making loud noises on the trail.  Make space for other groups to pass if your party stops to take a break.

As individuals, we can be a part of the Leave No Trace solution by showing respect and care for nature and seeking to educate others on the harmful effects that rubbish has on our health, wildlife, and our environment.

At One Planet Life, we share our adventurous journeys on the OPL app, and use our knowledge to inspire, educate, and create energy for your own joyful experiences. We would love for you to share your venture with us. 

What to Pack: How to Prepare for a Great Outdoor Adventure

What to Pack: How to Prepare for a Great Outdoor Adventure

The key to making any outdoor excursion enjoyable is to be prepared before you head outside.

In our last article, we shared how to best dress for your next great outdoor adventure.  Today, we’re sharing how to pack for your next trip in the wide outdoors.

Here are the 10 Essentials You Should Have on Nearly Every Outdoor Excursion.

Preparedness can be the difference between a wonderful winter hike or a miserable experience and can mean the difference between life and death if your outdoor adventure goes awry.  

Ensure that you are prepared for whatever comes by packing these 10 essential items in your daypack: 

  1. Headlamp: One or two of these, plus spare batteries.
  2. Navigation: Physical map of the area you are exploring, and a compass. While using your phone for directions using AllTrails or other apps is very helpful, you shouldn’t rely solely on it.  Your battery may drain quickly in cold weather, leaving you with no map or idea of your location and how to return to your starting point. Carrying a rechargeable phone battery is always a recommended item to have in your bag.
  3. Fire Source: Waterproof matches, lighter, and outdoor portable fire igniter. It is always better to have two sources than one in the event that one may not work due to excess moisture.  
  4. Water: Carry 2-3 liters in a wide-mouth Nalgene bottle or insulated wide-mouth bottle depending on your outdoor activity’s length and activity level. 
    1. You can bring a mini lightweight outdoor water filtration system such as Sawyer’s, Grayl, or another brand to help you gather more potable water should you run out. Water can freeze quickly, however, in freezing temperatures, so a water filtration system may not be helpful if the water sources are frozen. 
    2. To prevent your water from freezing, you can create a wool or fleece insulator covering to place around your bottle. Ensure the lid is tight, then pack your water bottle upside down in your bag since water freezes from the top.
  5. Knife/Multi-Tool: The knife/multi-tool is vital as you never know when you may need to use it for first-aid, gear repair, or for cutting.  
  6. Food: Carry a variety of food options and more than you need, as you never know what circumstances may require you to need it. Some snack ideas to consider are protein bars, fruit, nuts, cheese, sardines, crackers, peanut butter-banana tortilla roll-ups, soppressata or pepperoni rolls, and pickles. 
  7. Extra Clothing: One or two pairs of merino wool socks, sock liners, an extra moisture-wicking base layer, bandana, neck gaiter, and gloves or mittens.  These are all essential if you are out longer than anticipated and are cold from sweat.
  8. First Aid Kit: Know how to use this before it is required, and ensure your first aid kit is fully stocked in the event of an emergency.  There are several types of first aid kits with variable pricing depending on the kind of adventure you are pursuing.  
  9. Shelter: An emergency blanket should be a part of your essential items as it helps with hypothermia should the weather become inclement. An emergency blanket can also provide protection from the elements if needed.
  10. Sun Protection: Sunscreen is a must even on a cloudy day, as the sun’s rays could come through the clouds causing your skin to burn. Sunscreen also helps to keep your skin moisturized during dry cold weather and helps with windburn. Sunglasses and lip balm are also requirements for your sun protection kit.
While the following list is not required, it is highly encouraged that you consider bringing the following, depending on the type of adventure you are embarking on:

  • A set of binoculars or a monocular, to help you view wildlife up close without disturbing them. 
  • Trekking poles, which help take weight off knees and assist with stability and balance over hills, rocks, and uneven terrain.
  • YakTrax or crampons, if you are hiking on uneven terrain with packed snow and icy conditions.  YakTrax and crampons are invaluable and help you grip as you are ascending/descending a hill or walking on level trails. 
  • A small bag for any trash and garbage collected on the trail.
  • Journal and pen, to keep notes.
  • A camera, to help you capture beautiful scenery and wildlife.
  • Portable battery pack and charging cord, or solar charger for charging electronic equipment.
  • Bandana
  • Whistle, used for distressed emergency situations.
There are many resources available to help make your winter outdoor activity a memorable and enjoyable experience. 

Be prepared by checking out regional recreational outfitters, outdoor retail shops, and YouTube, to name a few. Better yet, join an outdoor adventure group and get involved with an organization to help conserve, preserve, and protect our great natural resources. We promise you will receive so many joyful benefits in return!

Lastly, and most importantly, always leave a message or note with your loved one or neighbor to let them know where you are going, including the trailhead or route you plan to hike and your approximate return time. 

Have fun out there!

Written by Yvonne Dwyer

Written by Yvonne Dwyer

Master Naturalist and OPL Content Contributor

“It is truly an honor for me to be a contributor to One Planet Life. By sharing my experiences and lifetime of learning, I hope to inspire conservation, sustainability, stewardship, and awareness of enjoying the natural wonders of the world for the wellbeing of people and the planet.”

Vintage Homestyle Sweet Corn Pancakes Recipe

Vintage Homestyle Sweet Corn Pancakes Recipe

One summer many years ago, a relative asked if I had ever tried sweet corn pancakes. I hadn’t, and decided to look for a recipe. While I found recipes for corn fritters, I didn’t find any recipes for sweet corn pancakes, so I adapted this recipe from an old cookbook, updating it by using coconut oil, oat flour, brown sugar, and unsweetened almond milk. It is now one of my favorite corn recipes, with or without my favorite local honey or maple syrup. These pancakes can also be savory, making them perfect for picnics, hikes, or simply an afternoon treat.

Adapted from: The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Cookbook 1980 Edition by Zoe Coulson

Serves: Approximately 12 – 4 inch pancakes

Ingredients:
  • 3/4 cup unbleached flour
  • 1/2 cup oat flour
  • 2 tbsp. brown sugar
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1 – 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 tbsp. coconut oil, melted, plus slightly more for lightly greasing your skillet or griddle
  • 1 – 1/2 cup sweet corn cut from the cob
  • butter 
  • maple syrup or honey



Apple Orchard
Instructions:
  1. In a large bowl, mix the first 4 ingredients. In a small bowl, beat the egg for 30 seconds, then stir in the almond milk and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Add to the flour mixture and stir until the flour is moistened.
  2. Heat skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until a drop of water sizzles. Brush lightly with coconut oil.
  3. Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a hot skillet or griddle, making a few pancakes at a time.
  4. Cook until bubbles burst and edges look dry, approximately 90 seconds. With a spatula, turn and cook until the underside is golden, about 90 seconds.
  5. Place on a heated platter, and keep warm. Brush skillet with more coconut oil, if needed, before starting on the next batch. Serve with butter and maple syrup or honey.

For a savory variation: 

Add 1/4 cup cilantro, basil, or parsley, 1/2 tsp sea salt and coarsely ground black pepper, and 2 scallions, green and white, finely chopped.

 

Chef Yvonne Dwyer

Recipe compliments of OPL Naturalist and Home Chef Yvonne Dwyer

OPL Plant-rich Recipes

Eating more fruits and vegetables is good for you and the planet.  Find more delicious OPL-recommended plant-rich recipes here.

Autumn’s Spectacular Applesauce

Autumn’s Spectacular Applesauce

The autumn season not only encompasses beautifully colored leaf foliage in the Northeast and other areas around the country but a change of appetite for pumpkins, Concord grapes, apples, and a variety of squash. The sorts of autumn fruits are numerous, and the types of apples are broad. One of our family’s favorites is the Honey Crisp. The apple is crisp, slightly tart, and sweet. It incorporates so well in the apple recipes we love including applesauce, apple cake, and dried apples. 

Ingredients:
  • 10 medium-sized Honeycrisp apples (you can substitute or mix your favorite apple)
  • 1 cup of filtered water
  • 1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice 
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions:
  1. Wash, peel, and core apples.
  2. Cut each apple into quarters and cut those quarters into thirds. 
  3. In a 3-quart saucepan, add water and fresh lemon juice. 
  4. Cool until soft on medium-high heat, occasionally stirring, for approximately 15-20 minutes. 
  5. Cool completely. Remove the cinnamon stick if using. The recipe makes about 32 ounces. 
  6. Preserve in your freezer-safe containers packing applesauce in 1 – 2 cup increments. 
  7. Label, seal, and freeze. 
Apple Orchard

Note – I did not add sugar; however, if you prefer your applesauce to be sweet, start with 1/4 cup of sugar or honey when cooking the apples. 

Chef Yvonne Dwyer

Recipe compliments of OPL Naturalist and Home Chef Yvonne Dwyer

OPL Plant-rich Recipes

Eating more fruits and vegetables is good for you and the planet.  Find more delicious OPL-recommended plant-rich recipes here.

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