Sometimes it feels that the days of exploration and adventure are long gone in the modern world. There aren’t too many new frontiers that are left to explore ala Lewis and Clark style. Adventure seems in some ways to be a part of history. However, this fact doesn’t stop JJ Yosh, who’s about to embark on an EcoVenture to Bolivia’s 5 Peak Illimani Mountain. His group which includes mountaineer/expedition leader Nicholas Rice and film maker Dan Moses will be the first Americans to traverse the mountain (4th expedition ever) and will be using the latest in eco-friendly gear, technology and clothing throughout their journey-their goal is to prove that “you can be green at all extremes.”

I had an opportunity to sit down with JJ and learn a bit about him and the expedition that is leaving on June 8th. Back in college, JJ founded the Excursion Club at UC Santa Barbara. He found himself leading large groups of students out into the Santa Barbara Mountains to experience and connect with nature, rather than attend class. After graduation he continued following his passion in sustainability and the outdoors. He went on to create the web documentary “The North American Sustainability Journey,” a 60-day journey from Death Valley, California to Mt. Mckinely, Alaska. During the journey all of the gear, equipment and even the food had to had to have a sustainable element (there were many nights where locally grown food was not available so Clif Bars were the main cuisine.)

Now he’s preparing to go on his next great adventure. I asked JJ what inspires him to do the work that he does, he told me “you know the saying, one person can’t save the world, I’m out to prove them wrong.”

His non-profit organization Junto Ventures believes that “sustainability is about making conscious choices that sustain you and the planet, even at 20,000 ft.” Not only will the team be climbing the mountain, they are also going to be visiting the ancient Aymara in Altiplano, Bolivia “to experience a culture that utilizes ancient eco-friendly methods in their day-to-day lives.” The team will also be visiting the children of La Colonia Ecologia, a solar powered and environmentally friendly orphanage in Tiquipaya.

At the end of the interview, I asked JJ if he ever could see himself having a more normal lifestyle. He told me, “I enjoy the adventure, and love not knowing the crazy things that are going to happen – I like stable adventures.”

The ydt team wishes Junto Ventures all the luck on the expedition and is looking forward to seeing the documentary about this adventure on TV very soon!

For more information on this EcoVenture or to contribute to the non-profit please visit www.juntoventure.org/contribute

Angelenos can find JJ and their own adventures at the Hollywood Chapter of the Excursion Club.

Tags: Ancient Sustainability, Bolvia, Broke and Green, EcoVenture, Green LA, Green Living LA, JJ Yosh, Junto Ventures, non-profit, Social Activism