EcoTuesday: Nikki Pava

Nikki Pava, co-founder and co-host of EcoTuesday, a green business leaders networking forum that operates in seven U.S. cities, shares how a whirlwind round the world trip changed her view of sustainability in business and the importance of frozen candles.

How do you eco?

I first research as much as I can before I make choices. For example: this means taking time to read about everything I purchase and learn about the foods I eat. I started EcoTuesday, which brings together those in sustainable business to learn from each other and from our guest speakers. My passion is to bring people together to spark ideas that result in products and services that will have a positive impact on our health and our planet.

Why did you go eco?

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and was raised with recycling. There really was never a question that it was a good thing to do. I also spent a year in Thailand, Dubai, and Berlin, interviewing the leaders of the largest businesses in those countries about their long-term business strategies and their company’s environmental programs. Very few of these leaders held the environment as important, nor did they take responsibility for their company’s actions on the local people or the planet. At that time, these companies did not embrace the concept of a “cradle-to-cradle” approach in the design and development of their products. This affected me deeply, which inspired me to completely shift my career and focus all of my attention on working with companies to increase their efficiency while decreasing their environmental impact.

What’s your favorite eco tip?

• Work: Coordinate an energy audit for your office. There are many ways to decrease the energy and resources usage. It’s great for the planet and will also saves money.
• Home: Recycle the metal tealight candle holders. No need to send them to the landfill. Put them in the freezer. After a few hours, the leftover wax will harden and you can save it for a candle-making project. Recycle the metal pieces.
• Connect: Go to an EcoTuesday event and learn about sustainability from the guest speaker and other participants.

EcoLinks

• EcoTuesday Event Schedule
• Eco Meetings, Conferences and Events