Lara Smedley (she/her/hers)
Smedley Events
Carrie Martin-Haley (she/her/hers)
Summit Sustainable Goods
Occupation: Event Producer/Owner, Smedley Events
Do you have a specific area of sustainability that interests you the most? Why do you CARE about that specific area? (i.e. energy, water, waste, transportation, etc.) I love utilizing events to connect people with their community and environment. Events have the power of bringing people of varying backgrounds together and creating experiences that uncover commonality. This can help spark a new idea, or change that creates a better world for all.
Finish this statement: I CARE Because … doing the right thing matters.
What are one or two of your favorite sustainability tips or tricks that you like to share with others? Go paperless! I try whenever possible to not print anything. I have reusable vinyl banners that we print new dates (and attach with velcro) each year. Saves time, money and the environment!
What are you most excited about when it comes to being a Women in Sustainability Member? I am most excited about seeing this community grow and supporting my amazing friend Becky Migas!
Connect with Lara:
Email: lara@smedleyevents.com
Website • Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn
Occupation: Founder at Summit Sustainable Goods
Do you have a specific area of sustainability that interests you the most? Why do you CARE about that specific area? (i.e. energy, water, waste, transportation, etc.) Zero waste is a passion of mine because it’s a simple and effective way to engage with environmentalism from an everyday perspective. Through minimizing the waste we produce as individuals and as a society, we can reduce the amount of trash that collects in landfills on an annual basis. This shift to a circular economy reduces land and water pollution, decreases emissions, and minimizes dependency on single-use items. Zero waste empowers both individuals and communities to shift behavior changes to more sustainable practices and embrace mindful consumption.
What interests / excites you most about being involved in sustainability? I love being involved in sustainability because it provides an outlet for individuals to connect with each other and the natural environment through both small and large decisions to make the world a better place. Through sustainability we can connect with current and future generations to ensure a safe planet where we can thrive. Sustainability excites me because it allows me to establish connections with people from all walks of life and work together towards a clean and healthy world for everyone. For me, it’s about seeing both the small details and the large picture; how the small decisions we make every day impact the kind of world we choose to live in.
Finish this statement: I CARE Because … I see a world in which people and the planet can thrive harmoniously, and where individuals, communities, and societies can work collaboratively to create a healthier tomorrow for generations to come. It takes all of us making shifts, both small and large, to create the momentum necessary to make this happen. I care because our planet – and all life on it – ultimately depends on it.
What are one or two of your favorite sustainability tips or tricks that you like to share with others? When making the transition to lowering your waste, don’t feel like you have to change everything overnight! I like to break it down into two categories: practices and products. Brainstorm the practices in your everyday routine that you could adjust to reduce your trash or dependency on single-use items, such as bringing reusable bags to the grocery store instead of choosing plastic. Then look at the products you use on a regular basis in your household. Find options you are comfortable committing to swap out, such as buying a plastic-free shampoo bar or refill when you run out of liquid shampoo. Work on adjusting these lifestyle swaps – the practice and the product that you committed to – and ensure you’ve established a habit before moving on to the next product and practice! Rather than becoming overwhelmed on your zero waste journey, this creates a way to feel successful and accomplished.
What are you most excited about when it comes to being a Women in Sustainability Member? I love the community that surrounds the Women in Sustainability community. Becoming a member opens up a host of additional opportunities for me to engage with environmental justice and sustainability, both as an individual and with my business.
Connect with Carrie:
Email: carrie@summitsustainablegoods.eco
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