ACTIVIST PROFILE: MERAZ MOSTAFA

How did you get involved with ForestEthics?

I was one week away from starting school at UVM when a friend of mine told me to jump on a conference call because there was an opportunity for an environmental action in Burlington. Thinking there was no better way to start college, I hopped on and found myself talking with a bunch of students I had never met. It was about an action against the Sustainable Forestry Initiative - a greenwashing eco-label created by the logging industry.

Soon after arriving at the school we all met and about two weeks from that point we had petitioned, done class raps, phone banked, made signs, recruited about 50 people, contacted the media, and finally rallied. The people I met on the phone are now some of the coolest folks I know.

Why do you work on ForestEthics campaigns?

ForestEthics is super awesome at empowering students. Even though  a staff member from ForestEthics, Adam Gaya, was there with us during that first campaign action, he made an effort for the rally to be on our shoulders. He trained us all to be better activists.

They are really creative in their actions!

What was your favorite campaign/action/experience?

My favorite experience was walking into Seventh Generation's office hoping to perform a mock-funeral for the death of the world and being ushered into the lunch room by the Public Relations representative to talk to Seventh Generation's CEO about the issue.

ACTIVIST PROFILE: MELYSSA DESILLES RUBINO

How did you get involved with ForestEthics?

In 2005 while living in Florida, I volunteered with ForestEthics on the Victoria Secret Campaign. I ordered a packet of postcards online and alone went to a local mall and distributed the postcards inside the lingerie drawers in the store. This feeling felt so good and I wanted more. After moving to Vancouver in 2006 and completing my university degree, I offered to volunteer again. I began assisting in information booths at various events around town talking with locals about the tar sands campaign.

Why do you work on ForestEthics campaigns?

I have a deep interest and drive to contribute to the required shift in consciousness that society must undergo in order to successfully protect the natural world. I appreciate the strategic dialogue that ForestEthics creates within industry to bring change from within the framework we live in instead of working counter to it. I believe the ‘new environmentalist’ is one that understands we must work together with industry and government to collectively create the vision for a sustainable and progressive world.
 
Lastly, the staff at ForestEthics is inspiring in so many ways and I feel privileged to stand beside such trailblazers. I hope to continue working as part of that team!

What was your favorite campaign/action/experience?

My cherished experiences are those when I can discuss these critical issues with the public and despite disagreements and fundamental differences, create a respectful and constructive dialogue. When someone leaves our information table smiling and feeling positive about our discussion I know that I’ve succeeded.