Green.org sat down with Caroline O’Brien, president of American Infrastructure Solutions, who provides infrastructure consulting business working with major companies on sustainability challenges.
Why do you think sustainability is such an important topic today?
Sustainability is important because invaluable ecosystem services have gone unrecognized. Very fragile chemical balances required for breathable air, drinkable water and fertile soil are quickly becoming overwhelmed by Carbon, Methane, Nitrogen Oxides and chlorofluorocarbons. If we continue to overlook the health and quality of our environment, Earth will become uninhabitable for future generations.
What do you envision your industry looking like 10 years from now?
Ten years from now, in NJ especially, sustainable policy and business practices will be far advanced beyond that of surrounding states. NJ is the first state in the country to require comprehensive climate reality education curriculum. This will insure a well educated work force to face these issues head on so that NJ may remain one of the top grossing states in the nation. The rest of the nation will be able to follow our lead. Jersey makes and the world takes 🙂
What can the average person do to make a difference?*
The biggest differences we can make require conscious consumerism, we vote with our dollars. Understanding a businesses practices gives us the power to hold harmful corporations accountable. If their practices don’t align with you morals, values and beliefs, don’t buy from them. Try: local products with minimal packaging, organic products to support organic agriculture practices, buy less animal products to protect our water, soil and atmosphere. If you can not find the resources you need, write a letter describing the problem; feed back is the primary catalyst of change.