Today we’d like to introduce you to Randi Durham.
Hi Randi , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started with my first cleanup in 2019 on a trail in Big Bear. I was saddened by all the waste and human destruction there was to be found in the nature surrounding me. From this wish to improve our world, National Park Volunteers was born. NPV would then go on to completed 50 cleanups in 50 weeks in the first year of its inception.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been easy road to travel starting this endeavor. One challenge we face on a constant basis is people do not understand what a huge problem trash is nor how destruction of nature affects us all greatly. Many people also do not understand why someone would do environmental restorations for free. The answer to that is simple, because it is necessary. Then 2020 came along. The covid pandemic hit us pretty hard like many other organizations. We had just become a 501(c)3 and it was hard to get individuals to come out to our cleanup events. A lot of the cleanups at that time were completed by just my husband and I but we kept it going. Just like we do today, going wherever we are needed whether it be beaches, lakes, rivers, forests, mountains, or urban areas. We have even done water way cleanups with a kayak and paddle boat seeing as goal is to not only help the land but water and air as well. Wherever nature can be found, we will be there to the best of our abilities to help.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the 501(c)3 nonprofit National Park Volunteers. We do environmental restorations of all types. The biggest things we are known for is waste removal as well as graffiti cleanup/coverup. I am proud to say we have removed hundreds of pounds of trash thanks to the combined efforts of our volunteers. With hard work, we hope to continue to grow in both numbers as well as tools so we can utilize for larger projects. Not to say the smaller tools are not just as important. We are happy to say that rather than using traditional trash bags for our clean ups, we utilize burlap sacks. By using burlap, we continue to reduce the amount of plastic being adding to the environment down the road as well. For similar reasons, we try to educate people on environmental friendly practices and things anyone can implement at home to help reduce additional waste. For us, every decision matters no matter what environment you make it in.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
We would love to invite people to join us, whether it is in person or in spirit. Everyone is welcome at any one of our clean up events. If you are looking to make a difference closer to home, we also highly suggest walking your neighborhood and picking up trash along the way. Being conscientious can also be reflected in other manners such as not buying plastic water bottles and using re-usable bags. Every step taken, no matter how small it may feel, helps make a better future. If people would like to join us for a cleanup event, they can do so by checking out our website or emailing us. I am always happy to answer any questions to anyone who reaches out.
Pricing:
- $0
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nationalparkvolunteers.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalparkvolunteers
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natparkvolunteers
- Other: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4140667
Image Credits:
Randi Durham
