Carolyn Barnwell joined Brighter Planet as Communications and Outreach Coordinator in October.

Warm greetings to everyone. I am pleased to introduce myself as the latest addition to the Brighter Planet team. I grew up in New Hampshire, and joining Brighter Planet marks a safe and happy return to my native New England after traveling around the world alone.

I spent a year on a research fellowship exploring different perspectives of climate change impacts in remote coastal communities. (I’m proud to share that my large, travel-induced carbon footprint was entirely offset by NativeEnergy.) I have visited developing countries and stayed with local families since I was eleven years old, and this has influenced my belief that we should not separate social dimensions from environmental challenges. This idea is known as “environmental justice.” Moral dimensions come into play because the vulnerable people who are most affected by climate change are least responsible for contributing to the problem.

The good news is that the desire to address climate change through renewable energy alternatives can be found everywhere. In reality, there are fewer hurdles to overcome here in the U.S. than in developing countries to make the shift. I now have a renewed desire to contribute to climate change solutions in my home country, with our culture of innovation and effective technology. Brighter Planet’s model of harnessing consumer power to help shift our energy economy is a great example of how shifting consciousness and then taking responsible action leads to positive environmental results. I am thrilled to join this company of motivated, creative, good people.

Though I think nostalgically about warm, tropical sunshine as I unpack wool socks and hats, it is wonderful to be in a beautiful, familiar place. (Wow, the foliage is stunning this year!) I look forward to interacting with all of you in the wider Brighter Planet community throughout the fall, and into the new year.

– Carolyn