1

How do you define intersectional environmentalism, and why is it crucial to the sustainability movement?

Thinking intersectionally about environmentalism is all about nuance and understanding the different barriers that exist when it comes to who has access to clean air or organic produce, who is living closest in proximity to environmental harms, and exploring how factors like cultural context might shape someone’s understanding of and relationship to the world around them. Intersectionality is crucial to the environmental movement to ensure our solutions to environmental issues are as comprehensive as possible and don’t further marginalize already impacted communities.

2

Can you share a bit about your journey into environmental activism? What inspired you to start advocating for intersectional environmentalism?

I feel like it kind of just happened, but I know there were steps along the way. I never set out to be an activist or even an environmentalist, but activism or speaking out was a normal thing in my family. I always debated and questioned things growing up, probably a trait that came from my dad, I liked running around outside during childhood, and I was an animal lover. So, when I realized that there were several barriers that impacted people’s ability to enjoy all that mother earth has to offer, I suppose I became a bit of an activist unintentionally. I felt that people should understand what’s going on in the world around them,be empowered with knowledge about their local environments, and that it was messed up, to put it nicely, that people don’t have their basic environmental needs met – like clean air, water, and a safe and healthy living environment. So I just started to yap about it.

3

Through Intersectional Environmentalist, you’ve built an incredible platform for education and activism. What has been the most rewarding part of that journey?

Now that I’m on the board and in more of a hands-off role, it’s been nice examining the impact of IE so far. The most rewarding part is seeing how professors and teachers use the resources we created in a classroom setting to better reconnect with their students or how many students have written about intersectional environmentalism and how it relates to them. It’s been so cool seeing the ways environmental education is shifting to center justice and being able to play a small role in that.

4

What role do you think platforms like Wolf & Badger—and the independent, ethical designers they support—play in shaping a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry, and how do you personally approach sustainability in your own work?

Wolf & Badger is so cool, it makes it easy for consumers to find ethical designers that are also stylish. There’s so much to choose from so it feels like an abundance mindset, as opposed to the typical scarcity mindset we often see in environmentalism, showcasing how many amazing people of all styles and producing all kinds of products are making responsible fashion that’s still trend-forward. 

In my own work, I try to meet people where they’re at. If they like music, then I can find a way to connect it to the earth or food, or fashion, or tech – whatever it is. I try to help people understand that we all have an inherent connection to the planet because it’s our home and they can show up exactly as they are and make a difference.

5

What are some of the biggest misconceptions about sustainability and environmental activism that you’d love to debunk?

That it’s boring and based on scarcity and sacrifice. This is simply not true. Being sustainable can be innovative, involve upcycling or making things yourself, and feel empowering. It’s not just about what you can’t consume or do or sulking, it’s also about finding all the incredible solutions out there and enjoying taking part in them or supporting grassroots organizations.

6

What’s next for you and Intersectional Environmentalist? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about?

Right now I'm working on my next book, Earth As Mother. I also started a crafting club – Green Girl Crafts Club – and event series to empower people to learn new sustainable skills in a fun way. I’m really focused on trying to provide a space for people to exhale and connect with the earth in grounding ways that make people feel held. IE is also working on some exciting media projects, like their new Substack that I adore and working with art-ivists (artist/activists) around the country to amplify their stories.