It's Your Oregon: Melissa Provinsal

Born and raised in Southeast Portland, Oregon, Melissa Provinsal describes her neighborhood as the source of her motivation and passion for the environment. She insists that she’s “probably a product of growing up in a liberal, green aware SE Portland.”

“I began learning and loving the environment in middle school, but didn’t realize that was what I wanted to base my career on.” I was lucky enough to be a student at the Portland Environmental Middle School, and at the time it did not seem like a life altering experience but I think it really shaped my world view and who I am.”

Melissa earned her B.S. in Chemistry and a Minor in Environmental Studies at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. It was her first semester in pre-med at UPS that showed her she was on the wrong track. “I had an ‘ah-ha’ moment. A friend of mine found an environmental study-abroad program and within a few hours, everything clicked for me.”

Melissa’s concentration is on energy and water issues, and she hopes to be working on these important issues for years to come.  “I think that there is currently a lot of focus on these issues in the form of alternatives, but I believe that responsibility needs to be shifted more towards conservation and reducing use.”

 “I’m not perfect, but I truly believe that the little things add up. So here is my list: I take canvas bags to the store, and if I forget or I’m in transit, I try to fit my purchase in my purse; I wear layers around the house and the heat is rarely above 63 degrees, sure company complains about it, but I am used to it; I’m in the habit of turning off lights as I leave the room and will go out of my way to turn off unnecessary lights that others have left on; I walk or take public transit for transportation.” 

Product choices are also important and she chooses goods that are chemically safe or made of recycled materials. A reusable water bottle is essential and she takes it with her pretty much everywhere. “I save and reuse plastic containers and zip lock bags, and, of course, recycle, recycle, recycle!”

Her favorite place in Oregon is the coast. “The stretch from Arch Cape to Cannon Beach is my favorite part, especially Hug Point.  I grew up going there to visit family. The natural beauty is overwhelming and on a beautiful summer day there is nothing better than walking around the point at low tide.” She also enjoys hiking in the Columbia Gorge or camping by a swimming spot.

Melissa offers some final advice, “I think Oregon is a uniquely beautiful and wonderful place, and I hope that, as a community, we can continue to respect and protect this special place. Oregon is my home for always and it’s a part of my identity. Without it, I would be a different person.”