environment

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 am specifically interested in companies who are dedicated to creating products from environmental waste and creating sustainable fashion. I am especially interested in companies who are able to use their power to clean up the oceans and recreate usable items from the waste. Not only does this protect our waters but also the animal life that resides in them. Often these animals are forgotten about because they are unseen. There are only so many water ecosystems that are sustainable for certain animal populations and we are continuing to cause harms to these ecosystems. Companies that make it their mission to reverse this impact have a special place in my heart.

What interests / excites you most about being involved in (Women in) sustainability? I am most excited about learning from and being part of the other WIS community members’ journey. There are so many incredible members doing AMAZING work and it inspires me daily to be better.

Finish this statement: I CARE Because … Though I may not have the most sustainable lifestyle, I am always trying to be more aware and conscious of the sustainable choices I make. There is no going back to not caring or bringing awareness to my actions.

How do you like to give back to your community? Why is this important to you? 

I volunteer my time at local water clean up events and the Denver Animal Shelter, as well as sharing my life coaching practice with the community. Giving back and volunteering my time connects me with the community and reminds me of the importance of the space and people around us.

What are one or two of your favorite sustainability tips or tricks that you like to share with others?

If you don’t already compost, I highly recommend it. It cuts down on your trash tremendously and you can easily sign up for it in the city of Denver.

If you have a lot of difficult to recycle items, sign up for Ridwell. They are a great service that offers additional recycling in such an easy to use system.

What inspires you? I am constantly inspired by the WIS community and by others who seek to be and do better. We can all make simple choices, whether that’s to wave at another person or utter a friendly hello, that will change our world one action at a time. If you are doing this, being better, you inspire me!

Connect with Heather:
Email: heather@hellodaycoaching.com
Website • LinkedIn • Facebook • Instagram

Community Voices Webinar September Topic:
Manifest Your Sustainable Impact

Join the WIS sustainable community and HelloDay Coaching to discuss and manifest your sustainable impact. During this session, we provide an opportunity for participants to collectively learn about sustainability challenges, solutions, and best practices through reflective exercises and peer discussion. We will also define clear sustainability goals that align with participants’ values and aspirations and then outline steps to take to accomplish those goals.

Watch Replay.

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.) 

As a professional organizer, I help clients let go of items they no longer want/need. It can be much easier for clients to be able to decide to let items go if we can relocate that item in a way that aligns with the client’s values. We are passionate about increasing our knowledge of places and resources where we can take items for sale, donation, and recycling so that we are eliminating waste for ourselves and our clients, and, ideally, putting items to good use in a new way!

What interests / excites you most about being involved in (Women in) sustainability? As the company owner, I have always felt the responsibility to guide my clients and my employees in ways that are most environmentally responsible. However we deal with so much “stuff” it feels like we will never be able to take care of it all in a sustainable way. In my first conversation with WIS I was given grace! To have other women commiserate that it is impossible to find a place for it all, but a worthy investment to keep pursuing new solutions was relieving. It was such a relief to hear I didn’t have to be perfect at this to be making a difference- and then to find a group that can help me continue to learn and grow.

Finish this statement: I CARE Because … everyday I visit client homes and see the overwhelm that too much “stuff” has on our lives and the planet. People are drowning in things, but don’t know how to make a change. I believe it is vital for our planet, and our health- collectively and individually- to continue to improve our relationship with our things, our spaces, and our planet.

What are one or two of your favorite sustainability tips or tricks that you like to share with others?

The organizer in me knows how important systems are to your success in things you want to accomplish. So- if sustainability is important, setting up systems within your home to support that process is key. For example, we hep clients of ours to set up an efficient place in which to store the categories of items they wish to recycle or donate. There might be one bin for clothes, one for clear plastic, and one for technology/cords/etc. Then, it is easy for the client to grab the bin and take it to their recycling drop-off location when full, or for us to clean out and take with us at each visit.

Have more to get rid of than will fit in your car to be dropped off? We love to recommend companies like Gone For Good. Gone for Good is a haul-away service that also runs a thrift store. Before taking anything to a landfill they will sort through your unwanted items to determine what they can sell or donate to others. Next they work with hard-to-recycle companies to dispose of as much as possible. This way only a very limited amount of stuff actually is taken to a landfill!

What inspires you? I am inspired by helping people feel in control of their stuff, and their space. If I can help individuals do that, they can focus their energy and time on what they love to do best!

What is your favorite quote? “He who dies with the most stuff- is still dead!”- a coffee mug

Connect with Erin:
Email: erin@roomredefined.com
Website • LinkedIn • Facebook • Instagram

Community Voices Webinar July Topic:
Redefine your Sustainable Life: How Organizing Your Space Can Help Save the Planet & You

Today’s society tells us that we should be able to balance careers and family, have space for home life and active pursuits, and take care of ourselves, our loved ones, and the environment. We should be able to do it all, right? As a professional organizer, Erin is in constant conversation with clients who are feeling the stress of trying to do it all and do it well. Really our message to ourselves needs to be, “Do what you do best, and find people who share your values to help you accomplish the rest.” That is where Room Redefine steps in with its services. Room Redefined uses a relationship-based approach to get to know clients’ “pain points” and help create strategies for them to feel in control of their stuff and their space in a way that honors their needs and takes care of the environment around us. Wherever you are in your journey to living a more balanced and sustainable life, living a more organized life can help you and your family continue on that path in a more focused and productive way. In this Webinar, Erin is excited to share her tips and resources to help you start or continue in that journey in a way that aligns with your needs and your conscience.

Watch Replay.

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.) 

It’s impossible for me to pick one, but some of my favorites are energy efficiency – 1st fuel!, food systems, climate finance, and the nexus between women empowerment and climate solutions.

What interests / excites you most about being involved in (Women in) sustainability? I love being surrounded by like-minded women who are committed to lessening our carbon footprint and making a meaningful impact in this world.

Finish this statement: I CARE Because … because I want a livable planet for my child. I care because this wild world is worth fighting for. together we can accomplish great things. I care because together we can accomplish great things.

What interests /​ excites What are some of your favorite podcasts, books, documentaries, etc that you recommend to those looking to engage more in the environmental space? most about being involved in sustainability? 

Drawdown by Paul Hawken

What are some self – care tips you like to share? Breathe fresh air outside every day, even if it’s only for 15 minutes, even in crummy weather.

What is your favorite quote? “There is always light. If only we were brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” – Amanda Gorman

Connect with Jodi:
Email: jodi@fundacionadelante.org
Website • LinkedIn

Community Voices Webinar March Topic:
Empowering Underserved Entrepreneurial Women & Improving Climate Resiliency

Educating women/girls & family planning are top solutions identified by Drawdown to reduce worldwide carbon emissions. Microfinance is the combination of small loans to start or grow businesses plus training to aid in financial literacy and increase business success. Women in developing countries are statistically more likely than their male counterparts to reinvest earnings to benefit their families. Access to microfinance resources enable women to break through intergenerational cycles of poverty, send their children to school, become less dependent on other family members, gain access to low carbon emitting tech like clean cooking stoves and solar, and improve their homes so they can better withstand weather events. Jodi will share stories about her experience working with hardworking entrepreneurial women in Honduras benefitting from Adelante Foundation programs.

Adelante client cooking

Watch Replay.

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 am really interested in the overall etymology of sustainability and how sustainability can be applied holistically within a business. I also have a Master’s in Tourism Management with an emphasis on sustainable tourism development. So I have spent a lot of time thinking about sustainability within the Hospitality and Tourism sector.

What interests / excites you most about being involved in (Women in) sustainability? I am most excited about beginning as a Women in Sustainability Member because I automatically know that other members have a common shared value of sustainability and a general care about the impact they leave on the planet. I really enjoy the conversations and knowledge that we share as a community with each other.

Finish this statement: I CARE Because … I CARE because I value sustainability/restoration and building a legacy. I know it sounds corny, but when I pass away, I want to leave knowing that I personally did my part in creating an equitable future for those who come after me.

What interests /​ excites you most about being involved in sustainability? 

I love sustainability because it is a narrative that I get to rewrite. Most folks have been trained to think that sustainability is only about turning the lights off or recycling (the environment). But I love showing folks how sustainability can be applied to everything from the way you build a culture within an organization to the supply chain.

How do you like to give back to your community? Why is this important to you? I give back to the community with my time, money, and overall business. I love volunteering with young adults, and I spent the last two-three years supporting teen leadership development and civic engagement (community service) through Colorado Young Leaders. I also just ended a three-year board term for Guided by Humanity, which is an ALL-abilities yoga studio. I recently made my first big business investment by supporting SimpleSwich.org (check out their Wefunder). I work part-time with a non-profit called Rocky Mountain Micro-Finace Institute. This allows me to offer my coaching/training services to the community for a fraction of what it costs privately through Citrine Unlimited LLC. Then my work overall is stepped in the purpose of empowering and mobilizing my clients. All of this is important to me because, at the core, I have the blessing of knowing and living out my purpose. I truly believe that I am on this planet to uplift others, and I have the pleasure of waking up daily knowing that I did that. The trickle-down effect is amazing. By empowering just one person, that person turns around and pays it forward, and so on.

What are one or two of your favorite sustainability tips or tricks that you like to share with others? 
1) I recommend checking out George N. Wallace’s work on sustainable tourism development and thinking about how that can apply to your industry.

• https://sustainabletoursimdevelopment.wordpress.com/2012/12/11/george-wallace-principles/
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228604875_Toward_a_Principled_Evaluation_of_Ecotourism_Ventures

2) Sustainability battle fatigue is real. Remember that you are one person doing your best, and it’s ok to rest and unplug when needed.

What are some of your favorite podcasts, books, documentaries, etc that you recommend to those looking to engage more in the environmental space? 

https://thatminimallife.com/2020/12/2021-the-year-of-responsible-travel/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITlo2ZBJOWU
https://www.tbjproductions.com/project/trouble-paradise-thailands-full-moon-party/

What is your favorite quote? Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself”: FDR

Connect with Sydney:
Email: Planwithsydney@gmail.com
Website
Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn • TikTok • Linktree

Community Voices Webinar March Topic:
Imposter Syndrome & Releasing Limiting Beliefs In Sustainability

Ever feel like you are not qualified enough to be a sustainability expert? How about feeling like you are not doing enough to be sustainable? When speaking with women in the community, these two comments thoughts pop up. Join Sydney Jackson-Clockston, MTM Owner of Citrine Unlimited LLC., for an interactive workshop addressing imposter syndrome and reframing negative thoughts when it comes to sustainability. This is an interactive workshop, so come ready to have conversations. RSVP here.

Watch Replay.

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.) 

The intersectionality of social, environmental, and economic justice and how it is all connected drives me to look at not only the bigger picture of sustainability, but also how to compassionately break it down into its parts to more effectively address sustainability on a micro and macro level.

What interests / excites you most about being involved in (Women in) sustainability? Women in Sustainability has created a safe, compassionate, and purposeful environment to create connections, spread knowledge, and encourage activism. I always feel supported, welcome, energized and the warmth of community.

Finish this statement: I CARE Because … I CARE Because I believe we should leave the planet a better place than how we found it and always reach out to help each other thrive.

What are some self-care tips you like to share? 

To me the biggest tips for self-care are more about mindset – giving yourself permission to slow down, take a moment to yourself, to enjoy simple pleasures. Giving yourself and others grace, is to me, one of the biggest things you can do to find more peace within yourself and your life. And also to surrender and live in the flow of life. If you can find what brings you grounding, brings you to your center, it opens up so much more flow and abundance. Meditation has always been important to me. There is no right or wrong way to meditate, no rules to it. I think people put too much pressure on how it should be done or what should happen during it, and it shouldn’t be that way. And, some form of movement and exercise, even if it is for 15 minutes, always makes a difference. Creating rituals, however small, makes an everyday activity more centering, more in the present moment, more an act of self-care – use a favorite mug for your morning coffee and really appreciate it, use the expensive glasses for your wine, light a candle when you sit down for a meal, celebrate the moments large and small.

What is your favorite quote? 
I love our glow + gather tag line: glow to light your soul | gather to light the world; it embodies how I believe life should be lived. Finding and embracing what brings you joy, peace, and purpose – whatever that looks like for you, truly filling your soul, and from that place of fullness and light, reaching out into the world to connect, to gather, to lend a hand to help each other thrive, to make a difference in whatever way you can, in a way that inspires you and others, because together we rise. We have to take care of ourselves first and release the guilt and the glorification of busy, so we can not only find our joy and fulfillment, because we all deserve that, but also so we can take care of others and our planet with compassion and empathy.

What are some things that bring you joy? 
I love finding joy in the everyday moments as well as the larger moments that last forever. Cherishing that morning chai in a favorite mug, a quiet walk in the woods, gathering around a beautifully set table for a good meal with friends and family, a favorite drink in a beautiful glass, a dress that fits perfectly, my morning yoga practice, travelling – anywhere and everywhere, reading, stargazing, the view after and during a challenging climb, knowing I’ve made an impact in someone’s life.

Connect with Sarita:
Email: sarita@glowandgather.com
Website
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Community Voices Webinar February Topic:
Beyond DEI Basics – Why incorporating authentic diversity, equity and inclusion policies matter

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) are buzzwords in today’s society. Many organizations (for profit and nonprofit) have updated their organizational policies to include a DEI statement. However, these policies tend to fall short of implementation and practice. Why? Many are created as part of the buzz and not a part of the plan. To truly be a diverse and equitable organization, we must look beyond the basics. Join this webinar as Sarita Parikh dives into the importance of incorporating authentic DEI practices, why it matters and provides tips on creating DEI policies that are embedded in the organizational culture. You’ll leave feeling inspired to move beyond the DEI basics to create a more authentic space where all are welcome.

Watch Replay.

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.) 

At first I didn’t think I was a fit for the Women In Sustainability network, not in the traditional sense since my work is not related to environment and transportation. Once I spoke with Becky and she shared the CARE motto with me, I began thinking about how our health and our energy is directly impacted by our environment and vice versa. I CARE because we can’t do this work alone, nor can it be done in silos, it truly does take community, advocacy, resources and education.

What interests / excites you most about being involved in (Women in) sustainability? Learning various ways I can support co-creating a sustainable environment, along with sharing my voice and expertise as part of this symbiotic relationship. WIS takes me back to my public health roots and reminds me that co-leadership in a charged and challenging time is so important. I also look forward to having fun while building new relationships with friends and colleagues.

Finish this statement: I CARE Because … I CARE so much about the ecosystem of our health and wellbeing, and by raising our personal worth and value within feeds how we choose to take care of the environment. An imbalance occurs when we take care of one and not the other, it’s a symbiotic relationship!

What are some self-care tips you like to share? 

1. Keep it simple superstar—KISS!
2. Take recess breaks-—procrastinate on purpose and allow yourself to experience joyful moments throughout your day, whatever that means to you. This will improve your productivity and focus.
3. Move, Breathe, Play—Repeat

What is your favorite quote? 
Right now it’s:
Angels can fly because they take themselves so lightly. -G.K. Chesterton
It reminds me that I’m not alone and not to take myself or anything else too seriously.

What are some things that bring you joy? 
Nature, movement, music and the people I love, especially my best companion dog, Sanders!

Connect with Ashley:
Email: ashley@theinnerathlete.co
Website
Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

Community Voices Webinar January Topic:
Give Your Mind A Rest With Recess: Purposeful Play to Thrive in Business & in Life

Play is a source of aliveness, it let’s the kid within win! By giving your mind a rest you gain access to states of curiosity and flow. Join us to explore play as a practical self-care tool that helps you de-stress on demand, and make profitable decisions in business and in life.

Watch Replay.

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.) 

Waste reduction and regenerative food production are the most interesting areas of sustainability to me. I grew up in a town whose water supply was affected by a newly developed landfill in my teen years and this experience made it tangibly clear to me that there is no “away” when it comes to our trash and our lack of resource looping with materials. I’ve also learned a bit about the connection between soil health and human health and see the farmer and local food production as vital and often underappreciated facets of environmental care. How our food is grown and where it comes from affects our health and the planet’s health in massive ways.

What interests / excites you most about being involved in (Women in) sustainability? I truly enjoy being part of a network of women who care for the planet and one another. It’s encouraging to see a variety of people with varying passions and subject expertise areas work collaboratively for positive change and impact. Every sector can and should be committed to sustainability practices.

Finish this statement: I CARE Because … the earth is our only habitat, and the choices we make today impact the quality of life for future generations.

What are some self-care tips you like to share? 

My daily at-home yoga practice is an essential self-care habit that brings me a moment of peace before the day begins and helps get my lymph and muscles moving and working before a day in front of a screen. For me, yoga can be a moving form of meditation and self-love.

I’ve also started tapping into mindfulness and guided meditation with the help of apps and videos. Sometimes life is so hectic and my mind is so full I need the extra support to just breathe and set it all aside for a few minutes.

When the weather is warm enough, my favorite form of self-care is biking to a park with my hammock and taking a nap or reading a book while enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. It feels so carefree and removed from the adult stresses of life.

What is your favorite quote? 
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” – John Burroughs

What are some things that bring you joy? 
Using Music as Medicine brings me joy! I’m a songwriter and have a silly song about how much I love farmers’ markets that I hope to dust off and share soon. I also love biking when the weather and logistics allow it. It feels good to conserve gas and get some exercise in at the same time. Dancing anywhere and anytime also brings me joy. Hit me up the next time you want to go two-stepping or have a ladies’ night out!

Check out Darcy’s TEDx Talk “Music is Medicine”

Connect with Darcy:
Email: darcy@nelsonstrategicmarketing.com
Website
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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.) 

-Food access and food waste mitigation: I believe that access to healthy food should be a right, not just a privilege. Additionally, food waste is incredibly harmful as it relates to greenhouse gas emissions – and it can be so easy to mitigate with composting and thoughtful consumption!
-Ocean conservation: every second breathe we take (even in landlocked Colorado!) comes from the ocean. Protecting the ocean and keeping it alive is protecting ourselves and keeping ourselves alive.

What interests / excites you most about being involved in (Women in) sustainability? I absolutely love being involved in an inclusive community that cares about all aspects of sustainability. Community makes every initiative stronger.

Finish this statement: I CARE Because … we only have one planet and the opportunity to cherish and protect it in this lifetime is not just a responsibility to me, but an honor.

How do you like to give back to your community? Why is this important to you? 
I try to give back to my community holistically through the three main resources I see constantly interplaying with each other: time, money and energy.

At any given time, one (or two) of these might be in more abundance than the other. If I commit to giving from all three of these resources pretty consistently, and then giving more from whatever resource might be overflowing when it’s available, I can feel like I’m consistently giving back in a way that is sustainable for me.

So, I do have a handful of organizations I donate to every month, and I increase the amount I’m able to give as I’m able. I also have a handful of organizations I consistently sign up to volunteer for, and pick up a few extra shifts when I find myself with a little extra time. And, when I have the energy, I love engaging in advocacy and inspiring others to get involved.

I do find that to give back effectively and consistently, I have to prioritize and plan for it like I would anything else of importance.

What is your favorite quote? 
My (current) favorite quote is from the Dalai Lama and it says, “‘If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”

I love this for a couple of reasons. For one, I appreciate the humor. Secondly, I think it really gets to the root of “every action matters.” This is important for people in their daily lives when they feel like they are stuck in the mud – every small step in the direction you want to go counts. And it’s also very relevant to sustainability; our climate challenges our huge and sometime’s a single person’s compost bin seems insignificant, but it’s not, and every victory, every action, every intention, it matters.

Connect with Kayla:
Email: kayla.ferguson@thesameplate.com
Facebook • Instagram

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.) All my academic and professional background is in plastics. I believe I have a role to help reduce the impact plastics have in our lives. I do that in my own work and also through community education.

What interests / excites you most about being involved in (Women in) sustainability? I love being connected to such amazing and powerful women. Even living far away, I feel so close to them! I’ve met Elizabeth Boulos in person last month and can’t wait to meet others when I FINALLY make my trip to Colorado!

Finish this statement: I CARE Because … I CARE because I want the next generations to have a happy joyful life.

Connect with Leticia:
LinkedIn