Q: Why did you create The EcoSeekers™?
A: We created The EcoSeekers™ to connect kids and young adults with nature and environmentalism.
Q: What is The EcoSeekers philosophy for social and environmental change?
A: Our overarching philosophy is that tremendous environmental and social progress is achieved when
diverse people and interests unite in the common cause of environmental protection. We believe that
young people possess a unique ability to inspire such efforts.
Q: What is the impact of your efforts?
A: Our efforts inspire kids (and adults) to cherish nature and take personal responsibility for protecting the
environment. The hope is that children and young adults will embrace environmental issues through study
and activism and, in turn, influence the behavior of peers and adults alike. As the President of the National
Resource Defense Council said of our efforts, The EcoSeekers “will return interest to the planet for
generations to come.”
Q: Do your efforts encourage kids to spend more time outdoors?
A: Despite the growing trend of ‘green’ for kids, the next generation is spending less and less time in
nature. The EcoSeekers seek to reverse this trend by utilizing eco-adventure stories to cultivate children’s
interest in the great outdoors and environmentalism.
Q: Does The EcoSeekers advocate a particular position?
A: No - we expose kids and young adults to a wide range of environmental issues, themes, and topics. We
present information in a factual and objective manner. While we do not subscribe to the notion that “all
sides” deserve equal attention, we recognize that the search for truth is an imperfect journey and do our best
to encourage original and critical thinking rather than blind acceptance of doctrinaire ideas.
Q: Is The EcoSeekers focused exclusively on the United States?
A: We are beginning our adventures in the United States as that is where our founders live, but hope to
soon expand the settings and characters of our eco-adventures. The globe in our logo will even shift based
on the location of our stories. Our stories aim to educate, inspire and unite diverse kids throughout the
world to come together to protect the environment.
Q: Why books?
A: Books are an excellent medium to tell nuanced stories and are arguably the most enduring way to share
information from generation-to-generation. We further believe that the genre of historical fiction is an
entertaining and yet educational way to reach children, especially when coupled with special sections that
share the ‘real history’ of the time period. More broadly, we also hope educators and others utilize our
books to promote children’s literacy.
Q: Why the historical focus?
A: People have interacted with — and sought to understand — the natural world since the beginning of
time. Our stories highlight past struggles and successes and explain how these experiences influence
environmentalism today.
Moreover, when we were kids, our teachers told us that in order to make the world a better place we must
be knowledgeable about history. We still think that advice makes a lot of sense. That is why we begin by
going back in time to explore significant environmental events and themes.
Q: What topics and issues do you cover in your stories?
A: We use exciting plots and engaging characters to subtly weave together a wide range of environmental
issues and themes. Our stories touch on topics such as conservation, wildlife protection, preservation,
environmental justice, public health, social conflict and justice, diversity and inter and intra-group relations,
responsible consumption, eco-entrepreneurialism, business interests, the economy, environmental history,
law and public policy, social and eco-activism, and international peace and security. Our stories also
underscore environmental aspects of seemingly non-environmental topics.
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Q: What is the most important message of your stories?
A: Our characters show that young people can lead and unite diverse people and interests in the common
cause of environmental protection. We include characters and historical figures that defy common
stereotypes. They all join together in the common struggle to protect our shared environment.
Q: Why do certain characters refer to scripture in a novel about the founding of
Yellowstone? (The Land of Curiosities – Book 1)
A: Our characters typify the scientific, religious, social, business, and political trends that influenced the
founding of Yellowstone National Park. They authentically reflect the themes relevant to the nascent
environmental movement of the 19th century. While a growing respect for science and empiricism led many
to embrace concepts of preservation and ecology, religion and spirituality were also very influential — just as
religion was influential at that time in ending slavery and a century later in shaping the Civil Rights
Movement. John Muir and other transcendentalists of the era were deeply religious or spiritual. For many of
these early leaders of the environmental movement, their faith/spirituality led them to embrace scientific rigor
and exploration and concepts of preservation. It was these varied interests coming together that led to the
founding of the world’s first national park.
Contemporary eco-faith leaders such as the Rev. Sally Bingham and her Regeneration Project build upon
this great tradition and teachings.
Q: Where are your books and tie-in products manufactured?
A: Our books are manufactured in the United States of America, using eco-friendly materials such as 50%
post-consumer recycled paper. We are also members of the Green Press Initiative, as is our printer.
All bookmarks are produced in the United States of America on FSC paper, using vegetable-based inks.
Our organic-cotton and hemp wristbands and headbands are made in China, and adhere to fair labor
practices at a small, Korean family-owned and operated facility. Organic-cotton is third party certified; fair
labor practices are monitored and verified onsite by our suppliers.
T-shirts are American Apparel 100% USDA certified organic-cotton made in Los Angeles, USA.
"The EcoSeekers Bag" is made from recycled burlap coffee sacks. The product is manufactured in the
United States of America and assembled by mentally challenged individuals who would otherwise face
difficulties finding a job.
"New Beginning Moccasins" are baby moccasins produced on the Cherokee Indian Reservation, USA.
Information about additional tie-in products will be posted on our website soon.
We believe that international trade based on fair labor and environmental standards is a way to promote
peace and sound environmental stewardship. We also give preference to eco-friendly tie-in products that
are produced in a manner that directly and consciously remediate social strife or poverty. We seek out
partners for tie-in products accordingly.
Q: What is the PLEDGE?
A: Similar to the pledge taken by the main characters in The Land of Curiosities, THE PLEDGE is a personal
commitment to learn or do something new and proactive for the environment. THE PLEDGE is what unites
The EcoSeekers™ Community.
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