Welcome to the Earth Hour global community!

My name is Ashley Crowther and I am a traveller. It has been almost three years since I started travelling, and during this time I’ve managed to squeeze in an environmental science degree, but with many delays!

I am 23 years old but I am part of a revolution that all of us readers can relate to - the environmental or sustainable revolution. My manner of travel is what I would like to call unique to that of the standard traveller. Why is this? It is a certain belief of mine that travel is more than just seeing the sights; rather it embraces a catalyst of change within the mind while appreciating nature at its full extent. You could call my way of travel either “sustainable, nature based or environmentally and socially conscious” - take your pick. 

Travel is something that the vast majority of the world does not get to partake in, this is why I have dedicated the next two years into raising awareness of the world’s natural beauty and certain social injustices, mostly throughout Asia. When we travel we have an obligation towards the planet and the people of the countries we are visiting, to treat them with both respect and care. Individual travellers can change the world and it starts by doing it one step at a time. We can be responsible stewards to the environment and to the people we share this beautiful planet with. Connecting with the places we visit, and people we meet, on a deeper level is essential to develop not just a sustainable, but thriving future.

Right now I have personally taken on board an I WILL IF YOU WILL challenge. I am in Nepal and I have fallen in love with the beauty that is the Himalayan mountain range. This part of the world is in grave danger from the threats of climate change, but I believe that we can move beyond that threat and protect this special part of the world. In my opinion there is no better way to get in touch with the natural world than to be immersed in it physically. SO, I WILL be willing to put myself under some pretty measurable physical strain by doing three treks (one 7 days, one 15 days and one 20 days) into the Himalayas to raise awareness of this unique place IF YOU WILL take some time out during the week and go spend an entire day in national park, a beach, even your backyard or anywhere of significant natural beauty and take photos with whatever you can. Once you’ve chosen your best, post the images in the comments section here, on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram (including the tag #YourPlanet and #IWIYW) and dare you friends to do the same! We can all make a difference.

I Will IF You Will

Ashley is a contributor to the Instagram #YourPlanet project. Follow his images on Instagram @crowthercollective and find out more about Crowther Collective