Meet Kaitlyn Rempel - A PARTICIPANT OF THE #VISIONS2025 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE PROJECT!

Kaitlyn is 16 years old, and just started Grade 11 this Fall. Thanks to her English teacher (and role model), Kaitlyn heard about the #Visions2025 project back in June. Kaitlyn’s comic was one the first submissions we received!

Kaitlyn tells us that art is a great way to spread our ideas. She says: “I have a really hard time explaining things through words, and art allows people to spread their ideas if they struggle with their words like me! It helps include more people, and it’s is a good first step for people who are just getting involved in the environmental movement.”

When thinking about inspirations for her comic, Kaitlyn says she woke up one morning (at 6am!) from a sudden flood of ideas. She immediately got up and started frantically typing them out. The comic below is what she thought best illustrated these ideas.

Kaitlyn chose to do a comic because of the overall look of them; she has also been doing them a lot recently to get her through the COVID-19 quarantine restrictions. The content she chose to illustrate here represents a lot of anxiety Kaitlyn has around climate justice, though she is hopeful that it’s starting to gain traction.

When asked about the inclusivity of the environment movement, Kaitlyn says: “I feel that the environmental movement is harder for people without a lot of money. Lots of the products that are good for the environment are quite expensive. And a vegan diet can be difficult on a budget. It would be great if there were more options out there that weren’t quite as expensive. And it’s hard to find the eco friendly products in places like small towns.” Perspectives like this - from Kaitlyn and other youth - are critical as we move forward towards a more accessible and equitable future for all.

Thank you Kaitlyn for sharing your creativity and thoughts with us. You are an incredibly unique and grounded person - we are so honoured you took the time to participate in the #Visions2025 project.