Today we have Patrick Benson. He is one of our Fisheries Interns here at Nourish The Planet and has been such a hard worker with a passion for his field!
Here is a little more about him in his own words:
My name is Patrick Benson. I have recently graduated from CSU with a degree in Natural resource recreation and tourism with an emphasis in protected areas management. I am an intern here at Nourish the Planet learning the ways of the world of aquaponics and sustainable agriculture.
When did you first become interested in sustainability?
Sustainability was heavily emphasized through the class work I have completed at CSU and was really my first introduction to the idea. I have always been interested in natural resources as I grew up camping, fishing, and spending summers in Nebraska.
What are the most interesting/important things that you’ve learned since being an intern at Nourish the Planet?
I think the most interesting aspect of my experience here thus far is the shrimp production. It is the only facet of the operation I literally had no experience or knowledge of whatsoever. I have learned a lot thus far.
How do you incorporate sustainability into your life?
I limit my waste, drive as little as possible, I do not buy anything over packaged, grow my own garden, recycle, shop local, refurbished or reuse when possible, and do not shop at Wal-Mart.
What do you want to see change in the world in the next 10 years?
Limits on industrial waste (especially for fuel extraction and power production) carbon emissions and limit mileage food travels from farm to plate.
What are your goals for the future?
My main goal is to have a stable career in environmental protection, management, or agriculture. More or less I wish to be a steward of the land; also I want to own a house by around thirty.
If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t go to University of Northern Colorado they have no degrees you want, go straight to CSU where you belong.
What is the number one place that you would like to travel to?
I would like to go to Costa Rica; it contains the highest biodiversity within its rain forested areas than anywhere known on the planet.
What do you do to “get away from it all” or what is your passion?
I go camping. Isolation from the stresses of the world and connecting with nature is really important to me.
What is your favorite book that you’ve read in the past year?
Confessions of an Economic Hitman
Who is one of your personal heroes or someone that you admire?
Teddy Roosevelt, of many great things he did he started the National Parks system and initiated the idea that some areas are worth saving for their inherent value whether it be for aesthetic, cultural, or natural services. Not just for future economic gain from resource extraction. He was not the first to state this idea but he set a federal precedent and institutionalized the idea.
What is one sentence that describes the philosophy by which you live your life?
Don’t sweat what you can’t control, Fear is a prison.
Thanks Pat! We’ve been so glad to have you this summer!
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