By: Baylee Ritter, Founder + Director of Everyone's Collective
I entitled this first blog post "Why on Earth" because I have been asked this question many times since opening Everyone's Collective in May. Most have not used those exact words but the sentiment remains the same. Why on earth would I open a plastic-free shop? Why Pontiac? Why do it all?
Despite being asked this question by many folks, I have never asked this of myself. Truly. In a way, I have always known I was going to open something akin to a plastic-free shop in Pontiac. I mean there were times that I wrestled with the question of whether it was the right decision for me and my partner and whether I could balance it with my other job/commitments. But I never questioned the premise or idea. It's like craving a McDonald's Happy Meal at 8:00 PM. You have food at your house and have already eaten dinner. And yet you know deep in your bones, that a McDonald's Happy Meal is what you want.
Before I go any further, you're probably wondering who the "I" in this blog post is (although I am sure you have probably guessed by now). My name is Baylee Ritter and I am the founder and owner of Everyone's Collective. Pontiac is my hometown - though it isn't where I was born or where I grew up. That would be Effingham, Illinois, and McDowell, Illinois respectively. And yet Pontiac is as foundational to my story as the aforementioned places.
Introducing myself is always a bit awkward because I don't know what box I should fit myself into. Those 'labels' (e.g., activist, educator, advocate, entrepreneur, movement builder, etc.) never quite fit or even made sense to me. In truth, I am just sort of environmental people person - someone whose work focuses on ensuring a sustainable and abundant future for our planet and its people for generations to come. Among other things, I am the Strategic Youth Initiative Advisor for The Ocean Project and World Ocean Day, a National Geographic Young Explorer, and the host of Rise Up. At the end of the day though, I am the same as you; an inhabitant of Planet Earth who cares a lot.
I want to use this first blog post to answer two questions that seem to be top of mind for people; why Pontiac, and why Earth?
Why Earth?: Some of you might've heard what is 'happening' on Earth. Some of you might've even seen firsthand what is happening. If you have, I am very sorry. If you haven't, look a little harder. This planet is rapidly changing around us, because of us. We are in the middle of the sixth mass extinction. Humans have already transformed over 75% of land surfaces and 66% of ocean areas and are using about three-quarters of freshwater resources (keep in mind, only 2.4% of all water on our planet is freshwater). Within the decade, up to one million plant and animal species will face extinction. We are destroying wild spaces and places - driving out mass amounts of species and people from their homes. Waters are rising, our globe is warming, we are choking on plastic, and there is very little time left. But the thing about having very little time is that there is still time. And we need everyone to join this fight to save our future.
So my answer to "why Earth?" - which is a question of why it's all of our responsibility to protect our planet - is that it's our home. It is the very thing that provides us shelter, food, water, oxygen, clothing, and like a million other things. But even more than that, this planet is home to our favorite people and favorite things. It's home to what makes life worth living.
Like the flag hanging outside of my store says, there is no Planet B. This is it. And it's pretty spectacular. So let's protect it okay? I will be with you every step of the way.
Why Pontiac: Since I was in eighth grade, I have spent a large portion of my time advocating on behalf of Planet Earth and the species that call it home. I have spoken around the world to fellow young people, business leaders, adults, government officials, and anyone else who would listen; educating them on the issues and encouraging them to take individual action for our collective future. And for the most part, I have been met with enthusiasm. Everyone wants to make a positive difference for our planet (with a few notable exceptions). So why don't they?
My answer? They go home. Home aka a place where there is typically little to no support systems or resources to help folks continue their eco journeys.
I am lucky that my home, a rural place with educators and environmentalists, not only supported my eco journey but informed, fostered, and nurtured it.
But not everyone has that.
So that is my answer to "why Pontiac?" I no longer felt it was fair to encourage and ask folks to take action for Planet Earth without being 'there' for them when they got home. So I started with my home; to provide the necessary resources to support my people in their eco journeys.
I hope that this answers some of your questions. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to message me or stop in. This is a tricky ride and we have to stick by each other if we are going to be successful. If something is on your mind, I guarantee it's on the minds of others. So let's chat about it!
I hope you will give our planet, and your future self, a chance to be successful by supporting people, organizations, businesses, and habits that keep both of those things in mind.
I hope you learn as much from me as I am learning from you.
I hope to see you at Everyone's Collective.