Wild Keeper Spotlight: Nina Buonarota

Meet sixth term Wild Keeper, Nina! Nina is based in New Jersey and is passionate about caring for the planet, from litter cleanup to sustainable living! 

She shared that she got into the outdoors through going to school in upstate New York, "we were surrounded by hiking and kayaking and more mountains and woods than people realize. I fell in love with just being near any body of water whether it was a lake or an ocean. I feel at peace being outdoors." Going a step further, Nina expressed that her favorite way to explore nature is by kayaking, while hiking is a close second. "There is nothing like being out on the water in spaces where walking or even being a boat can't get you," she stated.

Nina is also very passionate about living a sustainable lifestyle, so much so that she has her own sustainability company. She shared, "I have always had a passion for nature, the outdoors and doing my best to make a positive impact. I started using more natural, eco-friendly products in my day-to-day life and felt the pull to share my journey online. I wanted to show people they only need the essentials in life hence the name Bee's Essential Products!" Nina shared that her focus "is to curate products that are sustainably sourced, small business sourced, USA sourced to reduce carbon emissions, as well as all packaging, is made with reused and recycled materials. I just want to continue sharing my passion for sustainability and educating people on the fact that it does not have to be complex or expensive. One simple swap goes such a long way!" If you any sustainable living questions, you can find her on Instagram or her online shop at https://beesessentialproducts.com/

In regards to some struggles we may see in outdoor spaces or industries, Nina shared, "I think I have the mentality of: if a man can do it then so can I. I even made an instagram reel with pictures/videos of myself and fellow women exploring the outdoors with the caption "Girls c'mon, leaving the saving the world to the men, I don't think so" and every time I have gone hiking with a group and the trails have been tough my guy friends have always helped me throughout my journey, which I am very appreciative for!"

Learn more about Nina and her Wild Keeping below! 

Keep Nature Wild: If you had to choose between mountains, forests or desert, which would you choose?

Nina: Forests! 

KNW: What is your favorite adventure snack?

N: I am a sucker for a white chocolate macadamia nut cliff bar!

KNW: What is an experience that has shaped your relationship with nature/ the outdoors?

N: In high school I took an environmental science class and we took a field trip to a local water way. we put on hazmat suits and literally got our feet wet cleaning up and testing this local waterway. I was amazed by the garbage in this waterway and that something so close to home could be so contaminated. I truly believe that experience broke me out of my little bubble into a much bigger world.

KNW: What is one thing you'd love to bring more awareness to in the outdoor space?

N: Just because it is out of sight out of mind for you, doesn't mean it magically disappears. Everything has to go somewhere. Our beautiful outdoors and mother nature is not your dumping ground. Please do your best to recycle properly :) Future generations will thank you for your help. Small steps make a HUGE impact never forget that!

KNW: What is your favorite thing about being a Wild Keeper?

N: The community and friendships are absolutely amazing. I have met with people from all over the country with not only similar passions but I learned so much from others in different states whether its their recycling process or their environmental knowledge. It is a one of a kind community!!

KNW: What has picking up trash outdoors done for you?

N: Oh it has totally shifted my perspective and opened my eyes in a good way and a bad way haha. Now as soon as I step outside i see a lot more trash than I used to..but the benefit is I can do as much as I can do make the world a better place and I have continued to practice the belief of not taking anything in this environment for granted.

KNW: Roughly how many pounds do you think you've picked up since you became a Wild Keeper?

N: I have no idea! maybe 50! at least I hope!

KNW: What goals do you have for this year? (or beyond?)

N: I would love to continue educating others on how easy sustainable living can be. It does not have to be overwhelming or expensive. All you have to do is be willing to swap out one thing like a plastic sponge to a natural loofah sponge ane you are already making a HUGE impact. I want to keep helping people and hopefully make more of an impact! :)

 

KNW:

N: