Between now and the Living Future Conference in April, we will introduce some of the incredible practitioners, change-makers, and innovators who are speaking at Living Future 2021. This week, we are featuring Dave Bennink, Director/Owner of Re-Use Consulting, one of our conference speakers. 

Tierra Copeland: What does sustainability look like to you?

Dave Bennink: I see sustainability as a state of being where countless synergistic beneficial acts result in that achievement. Our culture has yet to reach that lofty goal, but I have been privileged to catch just a glimpse of what sustainability looks like. 

TC: What initially drew you to a career in sustainability?

DB: I experience that when I help set up new beneficial businesses that create jobs, divert resources, and provide those resources to community members in need. This circular model neither stands alone as in a single project or building, nor does it take from the environment or others more than it gives back. 

TC: What does this year’s theme, “Unity + Inclusion,” mean to you? How does this translate to your personal or professional life?

DB: Finally, sustainability is all inclusive, affordable, and relies on everyone’s participation.

TC: Thank you, Dave. We look forward to hearing more from you on your session From Trash to Change: Uniting around Material Reuse for a Zero-Waste & Zero-Carbon Future on Thursday, April 22nd, at Living Future 21. 

Between now and the Living Future Conference in April, we will introduce some of the incredible practitioners, change-makers, and innovators who are speaking at Living Future 2021. This week, we are featuring Dana Clare Redden, Founder CEO at Solar Stewards, one of our conference speakers. 

Tierra Copeland: What does sustainability look like to you?

Dana Clare Redden: Sustainability looks like an opportunity for greater resiliency, equity, and the preservation of nature as we know it for future generations. 

TC: What initially drew you to a career in sustainability?

DCR: I’ve been a nature freak since I was little. I wanted to watch George Page’s Nature on PBS on Sundays at 8 pm, while my mom wanted to watch the Simpsons. Instead of having a teddy bear collection, I had a stuffed animal collection of endangered animals. Captain Planet and the Planeteers was one of my favorite cartoons. These things eventually led me to a career in sustainability, which has allowed me to impact the world in meaningful and tangible ways.

TC: What does this year’s theme, “Unity + Inclusion,” mean to you? How does this translate to your personal or professional life?

DCR: It means creating more opportunities for BIPOC people and women in an industry where we haven’t always been included. 

TC: Thank you, Dana. We look forward to hearing more from you on your session on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Renewable Energy Future Wednesday, April 21st, at Living Future 21.