"Growing up in an urban environment where pollution, waste, and inequality were daily realities, I realized early on that sustainability isn’t just about the planet—it’s about people, justice, and creating systems that care for both. That awareness ignited a lifelong mission in me to fight for environmental equity and systemic change. I’ve led zero waste initiatives at the Pentagon, launched composting programs that serve thousands, and managed complex waste portfolios across schools, businesses, and federal agencies—not just because I love logistics, but because every diverted ton, every educated resident, and every policy change gets us one step closer to a more sustainable, more compassionate world. This work is personal. It’s purposeful. And it’s powerful."

"I've always been surrounded by sustainable practices at home. My family was intentional about how we used resources, avoided waste, and made do with what we had. That early exposure gave me a quiet but steady awareness of environmental responsibility. As I grew older, I started noticing a sharp contrast between those values and the culture of overconsumption that many of my peers had adopted. Friends who constantly chased trends, bought things they didn’t need, and treated consumption as entertainment. It made me pause and reflect on what we’re being taught to value, and at what cost. That contrast is what drew me into sustainability work. I began asking bigger questions: What kind of world are we building? How do our individual choices ripple outward? I wanted to explore these questions more deeply - not just for myself, but in a way that could also benefit others. Volunteering with a nonprofit felt like a natural step. It allows me to contribute to the community while continuing to learn in a more engaged and informed way. It’s one thing to care privately, but another to turn that concern into shared, practical action, and that’s what motivates me."

I first gained a love for the environment from exploring the forests of Ohio that I grew up with. I later learned more about environmental work at the Cincinnati Zoo; I started volunteering at the zoo when I was 13, teaching both others and myself about conservation work. As my studies continued, I kept finding myself drawn back to environmental work.

I was inspired to get into sustainability and climate work as the concern for our environment has quickly grown. Maintaining and protecting this earth is incredibly important to me and better understanding how to do that is my main motivating factor in this field. Knowledge is key!

"As a passionate advocate for sustainability, I believe that it's crucial for the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. My interests in landscape architecture and design have shown me the impact that human activities can have on the environment, and I'm driven to make a positive difference. Through my studies and experiences, I've come to realize that design can be a powerful tool for transformation not just in terms of aesthetics, but also in its potential to influence cultural and environmental narratives. My minor in Fashion Studies has further deepened my understanding of the intersection of sustainability and design, and I've learned that fashion design can be incredibly impactful, shaping not only individual expression but also broader social and environmental outcomes. By merging my passion for design with my commitment to sustainability, I aim to create positive change through my work. I'm excited to explore ways to apply sustainable principles to both landscape architecture and fashion design, whether it's through incorporating eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, or promoting slow fashion and sustainable living practices. I've had the opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills to real-world problems, and I'm eager to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible through sustainable design and practices. Ultimately, I hope to contribute to creating a more environmentally conscious and resilient future, where design serves as a force for good and promotes a more sustainable and equitable world."

My interest in environmental work began in my junior year of high school when I took AP Environmental Sciences. I knew protecting the environment was important, but this class opened my eyes to the impact unsustainable living has on our planet. We took an ecological footprint calculator test to see how many Earths there would need to be if every human lived the way we did, and the results were shocking. I didn't think that I particularly lived unsustainably, but after that I knew I needed to make some changes. Since then, I've tried to consider sustainability in all aspects of my life!

"It started with my mom teaching me to read ingredients when I was young, which sparked a lifelong awareness of how our choices affect health and the planet. As a young mom myself, I became concerned about pollution, GMOs, and toxic systems harming families and the environment. I turned to organic food, gardening, upcycling design, and permaculture. Later, I saw a need to connect people with local resources and eco-initiatives. That’s why my husband and I founded GoGreenLocally—to help individuals take meaningful action in their communities and support those working to protect our shared future."

Working on sustainability projects for large corporations gave me a big-picture view of climate and environmental challenges—but it also made me realize how easy it is to feel disconnected from the real-world impact of this work. I found myself wanting to contribute to something more local and personal, where I could actually see the changes happening around me. That’s what drew me to GoGreenLocally. I love that the organization focuses on community-based solutions—whether it’s through education, urban farming, or local partnerships. It’s been rewarding to be part of efforts that make sustainability feel real and relevant in people’s everyday lives.

After living in the Netherlands for three years, I have come to realize how small sustainable acts can have a significant impact on the environment. The changing climate is affecting the world more than ever. I believe the environment is heading down a damaging path, and people must take action. I am passionate about the climate field because sustainable work is a necessity for a healthy and peaceful world.

My sustainability inspiration starts from my teenage where my deep love for animals and nature began. I used to support an NGO that helped street animals, and it made me realize how much impact even small efforts can have. My father's roots are connected to farming, and every month our family would visit the farm and spend time together with the cows—those peaceful moments connected me deeply to the land and all living beings. These experiences shaped my values and helped me realize I wanted to dedicate my life to something meaningful and beneficial to the planet. I knew I wanted to create equity not just for people, but for every species. That’s what drives me to build a sustainable future where every action counts.

"My passion for environmental sustainability started at a young age when I first heard the words “climate change”. As a middle schooler, I felt outraged and confused that our planet was dying and no one in my life was talking about it. That passion grew as I got older. I knew that I needed to do whatever I could to help combat the environmental degradation I saw on a daily basis. It inspired me to get involved in environmental courses, internships, and outside of school activities. I am eager to apply my skills to improving the environment on a research and policy level!"

"Ever since I was a young child, I was fascinated by the natural world. From hiking, to camping, to interacting with animals, I knew that my future career would involve protecting our environment. This passion led me to a degree in Environmental Studies and Conservation Biology, and later a master’s degree in Natural Resources Management and Development. Although climate change and other issues are global concerns, I am passionate about helping people find ways to make a positive impact on the environment in their everyday lives. This focus on local action is what led me to become a Program Manager at GoGreenLocally, and why I am excited to be a part of this organization."

"There’s a saying from where I’m from: “Every mickle makes a muckle,” meaning every little bit counts and adds up to something bigger. That’s how I view sustainability. Individual actions may seem small, but together they create real change. I do my part in everyday ways like using a reusable water bottle, composting, buying from sustainable sources, and still wearing clothes I bought over 15 years ago—because fashion just gets recycled and comes back around!. As a Project Manager, I’ve found that my professional experience helps me support others, stay organized, and keep the work moving forward. I’m proud to be part of a team where each of us brings something meaningful to the table, and where our combined efforts can make a lasting impact."

"In high school, I spent a lot of time researching the climate crisis after watching a documentary on factory farming. My passion for the environment only grew from there and I continued learning more about topics like sustainability, climate change, and conservation efforts. I completed my degree in Media Production, Management, and Technology from the University of Florida. College showed me that graphic design and digital marketing is what truly inspires me. I get excited about learning new skills and finding more ways to grow as a social media marketer. I am grateful to be a part of the GoGreenLocally team because I can combine my love for design with my passion for the environment to help educate and bring awareness to environmental issues."

"My journey into sustainability and environmental work is deeply rooted in my background in agrarian research and my involvement in the Indian farmers' protest for over two years. During this time, I witnessed the devastating impact of policy failure on the lives of farmers in India, where suicides were tragically common. While much of the blame was placed on high-yield variety (HYV) seeds introduced during the Green Revolution, the field research revealed that the true crisis stemmed not from the seeds themselves, but from a broader failure of ESG policy. There was a critical lack of financial and technical support, inadequate awareness about sustainable farming practices, and minimal government effort to guide the proper use of agricultural innovations, which led to ecological degradation and economic crisis. Later, in Afghanistan, I observed similar patterns where the agrarian sector remained underdeveloped due to insufficient local expertise and policy neglect, despite efforts to send students to Russia for training. Apart from this, when I visited Malaysia, I observed that the buildings were designed based on Agri-tecture, featuring vertical gardens. This deepened my interest further as I observed how sustainable practices can be linked in several ways to contribute to climate conservation. To deepen my understanding and contribute meaningfully, I am currently pursuing a Master's in International Affairs alongside a certificate program in Sustainability Finance and ESG Policy. I aspire to contribute to global efforts addressing the environmental crisis by advocating for context-based ESG policies aimed at ecological resilience and social equity."

"I have always believed that our connection to the Earth is deeply personal and inescapable. The environment and climate shape every aspect of our lives—from the air we breathe to the food we eat, and even the stability of our communities. As inhabitants of this planet, we have a responsibility not just to live on Earth, but to live with it. That belief is what drives my commitment to sustainability. I see it not just as a passion, but a moral responsibility. And while some progress has been made, I believe much more work needs to be done to protect and restore our natural world. The challenges we face are urgent and complex—but with effort, creativity, and collaboration, I believe we can turn the tide. I am motivated to be part of that change, helping build a future that honors the planet and all those who call it home."

My love for the outdoors inspired me to consider environmental work. I spent most of my childhood running or hiking on the mountains or beaches of Southern California. I love these places and wanted to protect them. I took AP Environmental Science in high school hoping to learn about new ways to protect natural spaces and reduce my impact on the Earth. I am currently an Environmental Studies major at Sacramento State. I am particularly interested in classes related to conservation and green buildings. This internship is helping me find ways to encourage everyone to live more sustainability and help the Earth. I am still incredibly grateful for every moment I get to spend outside and hope to continue to protect our beautiful, natural spaces.