Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Solomon.
Jen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Sustainability has always been important to me. In the last several years, I’ve focused more on incorporating greener practices and products into my life. I found as I researched ways to do this, it can be very confusing and extremely time-consuming. There’s so much information to sift through online, and although there are great resources out there, it is spread all across the internet and none are organized in a way that I found particularly helpful.
I have learned so much throughout this journey, and have come across a lot of fascinating information, as well as some shocking or disturbing facts. Most of these things aren’t common knowledge, and they need to be. I think everyone should be aware of the consequences of our daily actions and the products we buy. Not only for the health of our planet but as a nurse, I have an interest in personal health as well.
I don’t think most people have the time or inclination to research this kind of information in depth. I think that two of the biggest barriers to sustainability are education and inconvenience, so I thought I could create my website in an attempt to break down these two barriers. My goal is to create a resource that is straightforward and comprehensive that both educates as well as eases the inconvenience of searching for information on how to be more green, including suggestions on eco-friendly products, how to reuse and recycle items, and so on. I hope to inspire others to take action to live a greener lifestyle.
Utah needs to step up its game in taking care of our natural resources, cleaning the air, and recycling; I’d like to be part of the solution. SLC does have some great businesses and other resources, but not enough people are aware of these. SLC does have a great sustainability department, but they are small, and with a limited budget, so they need more people to help educate the public. So in addition to creating a sustainability resource that applies to anyone, I wanted to put together information on all the local sustainability information and resources SLC has to offer. I have a section of my website designated to doing so, as well as separate social media accounts specifically for SLC residents.
I completed the city’s Master Recycler program, where I learned about many different aspects of recycling and sustainability, and we took tours of several facilities around the valley. I plan to take more tours to learn more and be able to share what I know.
I don’t advocate perfection but encourage people to at least start the journey and adopt as many of these concepts as they can in their own lives. I think it would make a huge difference if every single person just did a little better, rather than a handful of people going 100% zero waste. If everyone practiced more mindfulness in their actions and purchases and realized the importance of doing so, I think the impact would be great and create the demand for better legislation and business practices from corporations.
I try to inject a little of my personality and humor where I can, just to make it more personal and human. I’m not perfect, but I think sharing my experiences can be helpful to others. There are a couple of areas that are especially near and dear to my heart. One of my favorite pastimes is getting my hands dirty in the garden. I completed USU’s Master Gardener program, and I have some great resources to share. In my landscape, I have worked hard to decrease water use, create a wildlife-friendly habitat, and employ greener practices.
The other passion I have is the ocean. I’m not sure how since I was born and raised in Utah, but I find the ocean the best place on the planet. I am passionate about ocean conservation, as well as water conservation.
Besides my inherent desire to leave our planet better than I found it, my two kids serve as an additional catalyst to this adventure. I want them to grow up in a world with clean water and breathable air. I hope that they and future generations can enjoy all the beauty and life that the world has to offer.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I seriously underestimated just how much time this project would take, not fully understanding everything it entails. Time has been one of the biggest struggles as I’ve juggled allotting time to work on the website along with my regular life, and without neglecting my family. And the size of the project just seems to keep growing the further into it I get.
The task that has been the biggest challenge by far has been the actual building of the website. My real job is in nursing; I have been a nurse for 21 years and had zero experience in this area. It has tried my patience often and I’m surprised I have any hair left as I’ve taught myself how to do it. I didn’t plan on the other things I would have to learn beyond web building, I discovered I needed to learn all about SEO. Then as I officially made the site live, I realized I needed to learn something about marketing and how to get the name out there so that I didn’t put all this effort into something that nobody would see.
This, of course, includes venturing into the world of social media, and I desperately do not want to be categorized as trying to be an “influencer” but rather someone who educates and inspires people to do better however I can. Up until now, I had an Instagram account that I never used, so I had to brush up my skills on that, and now am considering jumping into the world of TikTok, for which I feel ancient.
With all of these things to master, on top of the original purpose of researching and writing (which are the things I do enjoy), it leaves me in a frequent state of overwhelmed and self-doubt whether I am capable of making a difference. I wonder if I can motivate people to care and take action on this vitally important area that affects every single one of us. On the worst days, the uphill climb seems insurmountable, and I battle hopelessness. It’s a bleak place to be. But I also feel good about working to be part of the solution.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As stated, I have been a nurse for 21 years. I graduated from the University of Utah and have worked at the University Hospital for my entire career, mostly in the ICU. A couple of years ago, I decided I needed a change, and moved to the PACU, or recovery room. It is a much less stressful environment and has been a lifesaver for me.
I have been known for staying calm and keeping my head in stressful situations. I am proud of the contributions I have made over the years. I am a hard worker, thorough, and enjoy always learning new things. I have taught countless students and new nurses and enjoy teaching.
I think a lot of these values translate into my new venture. Coming from an environment where everything is science and research-based, these things are very important to me, and I make sure my research comes from legitimate sources. I have enjoyed educating people on how to be more green in their lives.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
I enjoy writing and have been told by many that I have a talent for it. If anyone is interested in a guest piece for their publication, I would be happy to oblige.
I realize the limitations of being the only person creating this website, and I can’t possibly try every product out there or know about every resource available. I am open to feedback and very much appreciate people sharing the things that they know with me. Please share any products, experiences, resources, or anything else sustainability-related that you think I could include. I am always updating and adding new things, and since I want this resource to be as comprehensive as possible, I welcome all the information I can get.
I appreciate all the support of friends and family in getting this off the ground. It would mean a lot to me if people checked out my site, found something they could do, and shared it with at least one other person. Follow me on the socials and share my posts. I honestly don’t want this to be about me, but the information. Everyone needs to know and apply this stuff, so please share away!
Contact Info:
- Website: letsgogreen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsgogreenslc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsgogreenslc
- Other: https://letsgogreen.com/slc
Image Credits
Victoria Allen
