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FERNTV: What are some of the great benefits of being part of EcoTuesday?
EcoTuesday is a structured networking event for sustainable business leaders. The event was created because there was a need for a professional forum for people to connect with one another within a shared context so as to increase collaboration and decrease the awkwardness and intimidation that can be felt by people at some networking events.
There are many EcoTuesday success stories. People have launched new businesses as a result of being at EcoTuesday, met new business partners, and found other companies that would contribute to their supply chain. Others have found new jobs and some have found the perfect employees for their company.
There are a few different parts to the event. Everyone arrives and settles in. Then, we have a speaker who shares their ideas, thoughts and insights on current issues and trends within the industry that they represent (we ask speakers not to focus on their company’s product or service). After that, we have a short Q & A. The Introduction Circle follows the Q &. This is the time when all participants share their “passion,” or information about their current project. When we have 100 people at an event – everyone gets to learn about 99 other people, and 99 other people get to learn about what they’re up to. That’s a great way to share information – and gain information!
We also have a great website where participants can create a profile. When someone RSVP’s for an event, his or her profile appears on the registration page for that city. This means that you can see who’s coming to the event before the event even starts. People can message one another through the site and find people based on geography or shared interests - so the networking starts early!
FERNTV: You interviewed some of the leaders of the biggest companies around the world, which prompted you to initiate EcoTuesday. What made you decide to conduct these interviews?
I worked with the Japan Times Newspaper and traveled to Berlin, Bangkok, and Dubai to interview the managing directors and presidents of some of the largest companies in these regions about their company policies and economic outlook. Often, I was greatly impressed with their overall vision and their ability to lead large groups of people toward a common goal. However, in many cases I was disheartened at the responses from these business leaders when I asked about their company’s social, environmental and manufacturing policies. During the course of these visits, I also toured the factories, met with some of the workers and analyzed the network of distributors, suppliers, retailers, and wholesalers that helped bring their products to market. Some companies implemented impeccable processes. Sadly, I also witnessed subpar standards that had me question many of these company's practices.
It was then that I realized that the best way for the world to change was for business to change. As a result, I began to direct all of my efforts and energy to create awareness for more sustainable business practices. These experiences were definitely the foundation for pursuing an MBA in sustainability at The Presidio, and later founding EcoTuesday.
FERNTV: How can we actually discriminate between businesses who are conducting sustainable practices and those who sort of pretend they are just to maintain their business reputation?
Nikki: Overall, business is moving at a rapid rate and many companies are working to update their policies, analyze their supply chains, and apply new programs that embrace more social and environmental values. For large companies, these changes do take a bit more time to implement. It’s important to make a distinction between the companies that are authentically moving in the direction of sustainability between those that are only talking about sustainability. Every action we take with our money is valuable and sends a message to the marketplace. It’s important for people to take a bit of time to investigate the practices and policies of companies when they purchase products and services. Look for evidence that companies embrace sustainable values. If a product is made using organic ingredients but shipped from Indonesia – ask yourself if the carbon emission as a result of the journey is truly with it. Vague marketing words are red flags – terms like “natural food” and “eco-friendly” don’t mean anything unless a company can truly support their claims. And remember, there’s no such thing as “clean coal.” Just do a quick google search, but be discerning about the information you find.
FERNTV: Any chance that EcoTuesday may come up here to Canada?
Nikki: I would love for EcoTuesday to be in Canada! EcoTuesday has the “Ambassador Program,” which supports individuals in producing EcoTuesday events in their local area. EcoTuesday Ambassadors are outgoing, well networked individuals in cities around the world that share the EcoTuesday vision of changing the way we do business. Ambassadors host the events and have a space on EcoTuesday.com to blog about sustainability-related news and issues in their area. My hope is that being an Ambassador contributes to the lives and careers of those who become a part of the EcoTuesday team. Those interested in becoming an Ambassador can learn more about the Program here: http://www.ecotuesday.com/what-does-it-take-be-ambassador.
FERNTV: How does it feel on a personal level to achieve what you have done with EcoTuesday?
Nikki: We are approaching the 3-year anniversary of EcoTuesday next month, and it feels great that throughout the years, we have brought together thousands of people at the monthly events. We started with one event in a SF café, and we’ve now grown to 10 cities. Thousands of people have participated each month. The Ambassadors are all extremely dedicated professionals who are committed to inviting speakers who represent a diverse spectrum of the sustainability industry. Participants are learning new things and sharing their insight with others. My personal purpose in life is to provide access and awareness of more sustainable living choices to people so that we can all create healthier lives and a healthier planet. I have the opportunity to live that purpose through my work at EcoTuesday – and it is incredibly fulfilling. Of course, there’s always more work to do to continue to get the sustainability message to others!
