As my four months working with the Edgewater Environmental Sustainability Project come to an end, I am amazed at how much I have learned about the intersection of environment and community. My internship began over a cup of coffee, learning the ropes of what the organization does; act as a political and organization liaison, fight for an inclusive community, observe environmental burdens and injustices, and campaign for innovative solutions.The uniqueness of my position due to COVID-19 has taught me of how integral continuous communication and avid dedication are to making any sort of environmental or social change. And although it was unconventional, I found that my role as an intern with EESP is the perfect combination of my two potential career tracks; sustainability and communications.
EESP has allowed me to produce guides, research, and projects I am extremely proud of. My first project was a “Green Building'' guide— the goal to create a concise resource for homeowners, contractors, and anyone else who seeked information on what a green building is, as well as available grants and certificates for them. I also collaborated with EESP members on a virtual event for home sustainability, which provided resources for homeowners to incorporate sustainability into their lives through products, services, and companies. The Litter Free Edgewater Campaign is an initiative created to reduce litter in Edgewater, which consists of media campaigning and “Saturday Clean Ups.” Alongside the project leads and EESP’s waste team, I created branded content such as flyers and social posts to share this idea with Edgewater and surrounding neighborhoods. Currently, I am in the process of an initiative to implement composting programs in Edgewater high rise buildings, through providing resources and best practices as well as encouraging the creation of building green teams. In addition to these larger projects, I welcomed new members via email, took minutes and summarized the monthly meetings, curated newsletters, and gathered research on topics such as utility burden, city cooling centers, and beach reopening best practices during COVID-19.
I was consistently challenged to be innovative, confident, and flexible when working on projects and collaborating with other members of the organization. I have gained such a diverse understanding of what sustainability truly is through attending EESP meetings and events, and collaborating with dedicated, driven members on various different projects. What I have learned during my internship will stay with me throughout my entire career, and continuously remind me that passion fuels progress.
As I bid my internship farewell I look forward to taking on a new role in the organization — a member and collaborator within the Edgewater community. I was lucky enough that my first apartment was an ivy-coated brick building in a neighborhood adorned with green corners and friendly neighbors, and I am eager to play a role in making my new found home one that serves both people and the planet. What a rewarding feeling it is to be fighting for the earth as well as my neighborhood, and EESP allows me to do just that. ☺️
EESP has allowed me to produce guides, research, and projects I am extremely proud of. My first project was a “Green Building'' guide— the goal to create a concise resource for homeowners, contractors, and anyone else who seeked information on what a green building is, as well as available grants and certificates for them. I also collaborated with EESP members on a virtual event for home sustainability, which provided resources for homeowners to incorporate sustainability into their lives through products, services, and companies. The Litter Free Edgewater Campaign is an initiative created to reduce litter in Edgewater, which consists of media campaigning and “Saturday Clean Ups.” Alongside the project leads and EESP’s waste team, I created branded content such as flyers and social posts to share this idea with Edgewater and surrounding neighborhoods. Currently, I am in the process of an initiative to implement composting programs in Edgewater high rise buildings, through providing resources and best practices as well as encouraging the creation of building green teams. In addition to these larger projects, I welcomed new members via email, took minutes and summarized the monthly meetings, curated newsletters, and gathered research on topics such as utility burden, city cooling centers, and beach reopening best practices during COVID-19.
I was consistently challenged to be innovative, confident, and flexible when working on projects and collaborating with other members of the organization. I have gained such a diverse understanding of what sustainability truly is through attending EESP meetings and events, and collaborating with dedicated, driven members on various different projects. What I have learned during my internship will stay with me throughout my entire career, and continuously remind me that passion fuels progress.
As I bid my internship farewell I look forward to taking on a new role in the organization — a member and collaborator within the Edgewater community. I was lucky enough that my first apartment was an ivy-coated brick building in a neighborhood adorned with green corners and friendly neighbors, and I am eager to play a role in making my new found home one that serves both people and the planet. What a rewarding feeling it is to be fighting for the earth as well as my neighborhood, and EESP allows me to do just that. ☺️
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