DC Youth Environmental Alliance

Mike Durante, simply put, is an environmental rock star.  A student at Georgetown University pursuing degrees in Accounting and Operations Information Management, Mike is also a pivotal member of EcoAction, Campus Climate Challenge, GU Legislative Advocates, Mission Three Ethical Consulting, and Blue and Gray Tour Guides.  Mike is also a founding member of DCYEA.

What got you to where you are today?  What got you started with  environmentalism?

Before college, I never thought of myself as an environmental activist.  I became interested in environmentalism soon after arriving at Georgetown, where I met Jesse Scharff and Nels Vulin.  Two guys from Oregon, they exposed me to a new perspective on the world and how we treat it.  Together, we started Georgetown’s chapter of Campus Climate Challenge, and since then I haven’t spent a day without thinking about the climate crisis, a new energy policy, and the like.

What have you accomplished at Georgetown?

Much of our work at Georgetown has been geared towards getting our administration to pursue green policies.  Looking back, we’ve accomplished great change over the past 2+ years.  Since my Freshman year, the CCC/ EcoAction coalition at Georgetown has motivated our administration to create a Sustainability Committee (of students, admins, and faculty) and to hire a Sustainability Director.  Our two new buildings will be LEED certified.  We have organized countless speakers and events, and have even performed green audits for several campus businesses and offices.  Our work has, most of all, forced Georgetown to take up sustainability as an institutionalized goal, something that will stay with the university long after we’ve graduated.

What keeps you motivated?

I stay motivated by our group’s continued progress.  But much more than that, the wonderful people I work with keep me energetic.  A movement cannot be sustained by one person; it takes a strong, happy group. 

Why is it important for young people to get involved?

Young people drive change in the world.  Younger generations bring fresh perspectives to every topic, so it’s integral to have that voice in the process of creating institutionalized policy.  We’re the ones who have to live in this world, under these laws, as cogs in this economy for the rest of our lives.  Shouldn’t we say as much as we can about where we’re going?

What are your goals for 2009?

To experience a decisively progressive first 100 days of Obama’s presidency.  And to get a job offer in the fall…

Any words of wisdom for young people looking to make a difference?

Remember that your voice is always as important as any else’s.  That means you should be confident in sharing your opinions and ideas with others, even if you’re a new member in a group or a student among administrators, politicians, etc.  But it also works the other way; remember that your voice is not always the most important.  Listening is paramount, especially when you’re trying to persuade someone to do something for or with your group.  You’d be surprised at how willing people are to work with you, if only you can hear what they need out of the relationship.