18 Questions: Kevin Jorgeson

Each month we ask a new eco-maven 18 questions about his or her life, occupation, and advice for other like-minded people. This month we connected with professional climber, Kevin Jorgeson!

1. What is your name?

Kevin Jorgeson

2. What is your occupation?

Professional Climber

3. Do you have a “green” memory growing up?

I grew up spending a lot of time in the outdoors where my dad taught me the ethic of leaving the land in better shape than when we found it. This instilled a deep respect for nature and all it provides to those seeking adventure and inspiration.

4. What inspires you to be more “green” in your life?

I don’t like the word “green.” I prefer the word “responsible.” I think we are all responsible for creating the type of world we want to live in, both now and for future generations.

5. Where on the “green scale” do you fall?

I don’t know how to answer that. But, I’m a big advocate of Leave No Trace ethics and I always think about the big picture, like “what can I be doing better?”

6. What are the most rewarding and most challenging parts of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is the fact that its also my passion. So, it doesn’t feel like a job. I have the privilege of traveling the world to the most beautiful and challenging climbing locations on earth. As for the most challenging part, I think that would have to be the uncertainty. We can’t predict the weather when climbing. It may get cold, it may not rain…but it always gets dark. I usually have at least two light sources and always pack Duracell Quantum- powered portable lights that I can wear while climbing. I do a lot of my climbs at night because cooler temperatures prevent my hands from sweating which helps my grip. Some headlamps allow you to adjust the light level, and that can make a big difference.

7. Where’s your “green spot” food, body care/beauty, oceans, home or neighborhood, explain:

Because I spent so much time in nature, my “green spot” is all about keeping our planet free of litter and human interference. There is nothing I hate more than to see an empty water bottle or candy wrapper when I’m out climbing. There’s just no reason for that.

8. Where do you turn for your news?

Twitter, NYT

9. What is one environmental change you vow to make in the next year?

I vow to unsubscribe from all of the junk mail I receive at my home.

10. You have a meeting with the leader of every country in the world. You have 30 seconds to tell them anything you want. Go!

It is truly amazing to live in a world where we are all so connected. I was shocked at all of the national media attention I got following my historic climb. Everyone has an opportunity to have a major impact on others. The world is watching so it is always important to be an example.

11. You have the chance to send one tweet to all the tweeps in the world. Let’s hear it in 140 characters, or less!

#WhatsYourDawnWall? Never stop looking!

12. If there was one industry/product that you could make more eco-friendly, what would it be?

I think finding a way to make both ground and air transportation run off of renewable energy would be huge. Transportation is such a critical part of the global economy, it’s not going away. As the population increases, so will the demand for transportation. So, if could find a way for this mobility to not have a negative impact on the environment, that would be great.

13. What is the best book you have read recently?

Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

14.  What do you want your legacy to be?

I want to inspire people to pursue the impossible and help kids get outdoors.