As a celebrated children’s author, illustrator, and publisher, Kelly Kaschula is on a mission to empower young minds through storytelling. Her Brave Kids series, which includes “Brave Kids, Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers, Volume 2”, is more than just a collection of stories – it’s a movement to inspire courage, kindness, and self-belief in children worldwide. With her passion for nurturing young readers’ inner strength and imagination, Kelly is a shining star in the world of children’s literature. Through her work, she encourages children to embrace their uniqueness, trust their intuition, and face the world with confidence. With a heart-centered approach to storytelling, Kelly is making a positive impact on families around the globe.
Tell us about your eco-journey: How did you start living a more eco-friendly
lifestyle, and what motivates you to continue?
I became more conscious of an eco-friendly lifestyle when I first moved to France as
an au pair. France opened my eyes to recycling on a level that I had not experienced
before. Sure, we all ‘try’ to recycle, but in the home lifestyle or living within France,
you have the garbage man coming one day to collect the regular garbage, another
day the cardboard and plastics, and then another day your glassware. It is so ingrained
in their daily lives that it is effortless.
France also has fantastic ‘farmer markets’, which I absolutely adore. These markets,
where farmers and/or their distributors sell fresh products, are a great way to support
the locals through the food they sell and make, as well as the beautiful second-hand
clothes and crafts.
What motivates me to continue being green is knowing that everything we do, no
matter how big or small, counts to create a better world for animals, plants, and
mankind.
Eco-friendly habits: What’s your signature eco-friendly habit, and how has it
impacted your daily life?
Recycling.
Recycling has made me realize how much of our daily product consumption is
covered in cardboard and plastic and how unnecessary it truly is—there has to be
other ways that are more eco-friendly. However, until governments alter laws, and
until major business/corporations change their production lines, we the masses who
still require these goods packaged in cardboard and plastic, can recycle.
How has this impacted my daily life? I do it effortlessly, like the French.
Sustainable food choices: If we came over for dinner, what eco-friendly meal
would you serve us?
Most likely anything vegetarian. I make a great Mexican lentil-inspired dish, or if we
are feeling like something from my home country, South Africa, then vegetarian
bobotie is also a great favorite of mine. I became a vegetarian for my own personal reasons, but it is through becoming a vegetarian that I discovered how eco-friendly it really is. Producing any type of meat
requires acres of land to farm animals, as well as plenty of water and resources that can be directed elsewhere.
Gardening tips: What’s your top gardening tip for reducing waste and promoting
sustainability?
Grow your own herbs indoors or outdoors. When needed, they are always fresh and
won’t cost as much as if you bought them at the supermarket. All they ask for is a
little bit of water, sunlight, and your TLC.
Eco-friendly travel: Do you make sustainable choices while traveling? Share
your favorite eco-friendly travel tips.
One of the greatest ways to travel in Paris, France, my now second home that is
cost-effective and very healthy is walking. You can get from point A to B in about 30
min. or less. If you are unable to walk due to a variety of reasons that could be safety, distance, or
health, then fill the car up with more than one person and carpool to your destination.
Sustainable fashion and beauty: Do you opt for sustainable clothing and beauty
products? What are your favorite eco-friendly shops or brands?
My closet is full of second-hand clothes from family and friends, my sometimes
designated gift shop. I give these clothing items life and wear them to their fullest.
These items, of course, come from anywhere and everywhere. And my dearest
sister has also got me looking into vegan products.
Environmental education:Â What’s the most important environmental lesson for
kids today?
Learning how to garden.
If kids learn how to garden from a young age, they will learn how to grow their own
food and how growing their own food means sustaining and supporting their
community. At the same time, they are learning the art of patience, of connecting
with Mather Nature and understanding her seasons. They are also learning how to
care for something, be it the plants they are growing or caring for themselves and
others through the nutritious food they eat or the plant’s medicinal properties.
Finding joy and peace: What brings you joy, and how do you find peace in a
busy world?
My family, including my doggo, a great cup of coffee or tea paired with a cookie or
pain au chocolate, and pizza, brings me great joy! I also find great joy when I am
surrounded by these and I get to write and be creative.
I find peace in this busy world through listening to high vibrational music, through
cooking or baking for my family, and knowing that my writings—my creative words on
the page, will help make a difference in children’s lives all over the world, that it will
inspire them to be better human ‘beans’ by inspiring kindness, knowledge, self-
esteem, love for one another, animal, and the earth we live upon.
For more on Kelly Kaschula and her work, visit www.kjkaschula.com or follow her on Instagram at @kj.kaschula
