EarthGirl Daniela, tell us, what makes you an EarthGirl?
I am absolutely, madly in love with Mother Earth! The more I explore the most remote corners of the world and spend time outdoors, the more appreciation and respect I have for this amazing, diverse, and perfect place we are so lucky to call HOME. I try to always remember the impact my actions have on both the environment and on other people and beings, seeking a way to live in balance and harmony with the earth. Often, we –humans- separate ourselves from nature, we think we are different, but I strongly believe we are part of mother earth. So when we neglect or destroy her, we are destroying ourselves.

When did you become aware and fall in love with our planet and what did you do next?
Although I cannot point to one specific event or person, being in contact with nature—especially abroad through my backpacking trips—has made me more aware of and sensitive toward the environment, other people, and animals. I have also met extraordinary people across the world whose knowledge and sensibility to nature and other humans have inspired me, encouraging me to make changes in my priorities and the way how I live my life.

One of the most eye-opening experiences I had was traveling in Bhutan. This country seems to have found the perfect balance between development and environmental preservation.  According to the Bhutanese constitution, sixty percent of the forest must be preserved for posterity. This is a country where the zoo was closed because it went against Buddhist values and where technical mountaineering is banned—even though Bhutan has some of the highest unclimbed peaks in the world—to protect the mountains from pollution.

I also spent a week in the Gobi Desert in Mongolia, completely disconnected from the modern world. Surrounded by untouched wilderness, I was in deep communion with the earth, feeling extremely happy and fulfilled. Seeing the nomads living in such harsh conditions, yet so content and connected to nature, made me more aware of how much consumption I take for granted—and how much we could all cut back.

After more than a decade of traveling, I have seen wonderful things created by humans, but nothing has brought me to tears or given me more happiness than being in the Himalayas. But even through my happiness, I was aware that many glaciers around the world (including the Himalayas) are retreating due to climate change. If this pattern continues, these beautiful, natural formations may disappear, with serious repercussions on our life—affecting water supply, sea level, and weather patterns, to name a few.

These experiences –among others- made me re-evaluate my consumption and purchasing decisions when I came back home. I do more research about the products I buy and their impact on the environment.

Besides exploring beautiful places, I have also seen the misery and struggle of life and death that many humans have across the world. Since I consider humans an integral part of nature, I feel responsible for doing my best to protect the world I live in, and to do more for others who don’t have the privileges I enjoy –food, freedom, security, clean water, etc.

Just by being more thankful and appreciative of the things we have—instead of focusing on what we don’t have—each of us can be more conscious of the earth and considerate of other beings. If each of us does a little to make the world better, we can make a big difference.

What do you think is a simple change anyone can make to be more eco-friendly?

• Turn off all lights or electronics when they’re not needed, and the AC when you are not at home.
• Don’t leave the water running when brushing your teeth or washing the dishes
• Don’t use the car for traveling short distances (walking is both eco-friendly and good for your health!).
• Try to use as many eco-friendly products as possible.
• Bring your own bags when you go grocery shopping, and reuse plastic bags and plastic containers whenever possible.
• Be more generous. I am not only talking about donating when there is a natural disaster, but making it a part of your life. Look for an organization that is close to your heart, and be part of it. By donating, you share your money, your time or goods with those in need rather than on consuming more for yourself.

What eco-friendly product do you use or wear regularly?
I use environmentally friendly shampoo, body cream, body wash (Jason Natural and Alba Botanica have great products for body care (jason-natural.com and albabotanica.com ), detergent (I use Method for my laundry methodhome.com), cleaning products and biodegradable bags (Seven Generation has a variety of non-Toxic Home Products seventhgeneration.com, and so does Greenology greenologyproducts.com).

Picture this, you’re trapped on an island, with a tree that only grows one product. What is it?
Nuts! They’re delicious, nutritious, and full of energy and protein!

What are your daily earth-friendly actions?
Besides watching out consumption and using some eco-friendly products, I have also been a vegetarian for 16 years. I don’t eat anything that has moved in life. I don’t expect everyone to be a vegetarian, but we should all think about where our food comes from. After educating myself about raising animals for food, I cannot see myself eating anything that has been killed. I strongly oppose cruelty or exploitation of animals.

Are you working on anything that we should know about that’s positively impacting our planet and its people?
MAG International (www.maginternational.org/usa), one of the three organizations I contribute to on a regular basis, is very dear to my heart. This non-profit organization works in conflict-affected countries throughout the world removing landmines and other explosive remnants. I have seen up close how these fatal artifacts affect innocent children and adults who have lost their limbs due to explosions. I am a runner, and can run anywhere around my home knowing that I am safe. But many people around the world cannot cultivate the earth or even walk freely on it because they are risking their lives. Last year I ran a marathon to raise funds for those who can no longer run, and I plan to keep on running and doing what I can to help these people and lands affected by war.

I also recently launched a website called Diaries of a Backpacker (www.diariesofabackpacker.com). It contains travel information based on my 12 years of solo backpacking around the world. I believe that traveling is the best education anyone can have. It opens your eyes, your mind, and your heart to nature and humanity.

Diaries of a Backpacker encourages people to explore the world—there is nothing like first-hand experience to inspire love of Mother Earth. I also hope that through my personal diaries, readers will learn more about the world, bringing more tolerance and understanding to people of different cultures, and to nature.

Make a wish! (Something. Anything.)
My wish is for respect, tolerance, and understanding between humans and nature. If we had that, war would end, and we would be in balance with Mother Earth!

Do EarthGirlz really have more fun?
Of course! We love the world, and therefore we enjoy it more. We are proud and happy to be part of Mother Earth!

What Kooky or interesting fun-facts should our viewers know about you?
I love to run, to surf, and to dance Tango, and I am always looking forward to trying new things. I just went skydiving, and I loved it. I live my live to the fullest and without fear!

Log on to EarthGirl Daniela’s website: diariesofabackpacker.com and don’t miss this slideshow of her journeys.

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