Catskill Conversations: So You’re An Environmentalist!

In a world where our daily choices are the fuel that dictates our future, and the planet’s, how do yours stand up to scrutiny?

A recent study suggests that 79 percent of Americans consider themselves “environmentally conscious,” yet most of us unconsciously contribute to the single greatest cause of global greenhouse emissions, deforestation, ocean dead zones, habitat destruction, species extinction and more with our dietary choices.

Please join Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Alfa Development, 200E21 and an esteemed panel as we delve into the ways in which animal agriculture is destroying our planet, and learn how easy it is to practice true environmentalism through our daily choices.

We are honored to have on our panel:

Demosthenes Maratos Director of Molloy College’s Sustainability Institute and featured in the film Conspiracy. Demosthenes Maratos has served as the Communications Director at the Sustainability Institute at Molloy College in Rockville Centre, NY since 2009 and has worked in the field of environmental and public policy since 1989.  Demosthenes is featured in the 2014 groundbreaking documentary film, Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret that is currently streaming worldwide on Netflix. He has been vegan since 1989.

Jeff Sebo Clinical Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies; Affiliated Professor of Bioethics, Medical Ethics, and Philosophy; Director of the Animal Studies M.A. Program at NYU. His book Food, Animals, and the Environment: An ethical approach (with Christopher Schlottmann) is forthcoming from Routledge, and his book Why Animals Matter for Climate Change is forthcoming from Oxford University Press. In addition to his academic work, Jeff is on the Board of Directors at Animal Charity Evaluators, the Board of Directors at Minding Animals International, and the Executive Committee at the Animals & Society Institute. 

Tony Hillery Local Guru, Founder and Executive Director of Harlem Grown. Tony founded Harlem Grown to address the health and academic challenges facing public elementary school students in Harlem. Within the first year, Tony worked with 400 students to plant 400 seedlings.The first season alone they grew 38lbs of produce. In 2017, Harlem Grown expanded to partner with five local Harlem schools, reach over 4,900 youth, composted over 20,000 lbs of food scraps and grew over 5,400 pounds of fruits and vegetables that are then distributed to families-in-need throughout the community.

Introduction by Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary Founder and Executive Director. Panel moderated by Ray Ippolito, Director of Strategic Partnerships.