Hi there! I’m Emily, the creator of My Studio Sustainability. I’m so glad you’re here! This blog is all about my journey toward a sustainable lifestyle, my passion for eco-friendly practices, and how small changes can make a big impact. But first, let me share where I am now and how I got here.
My Current Life
I live in a small, 550-square-foot apartment in Eagle County, Colorado. It’s cozy, practical, and full of potential for sustainable living. In this space, I constantly find ways to integrate sustainability into my daily routine—DIY projects, upcycling, and mindful practices.
Living in a small apartment has been an adjustment. After growing up in Southeastern Ohio with lots of outdoor space, this smaller home has taught me that sustainability isn’t just about big environmental changes. It’s also about using what you have, being mindful of consumption, and making eco-friendly choices in any living situation.
One of my favorite things about apartment life is how sustainability can be part of everything. I’ve adopted low-waste habits like reusing jars, composting food scraps, and buying second-hand furniture. I’ve also recreated activities I loved back home, like gardening and baking. It’s my way of staying connected to nature and reducing my environmental footprint.
From Sustainability Intern to Sustainability Coordinator
Before settling into my apartment, I spent years working in sustainability. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Environmental Studies, I was ready to dive in. Pittsburgh’s urban environment taught me a lot about public transportation, reducing carbon footprints, and the role of urban planning in sustainability.
When COVID-19 hit, I went back to Ohio and started to see the connection between rural and urban living. That’s when I really began forming deeper values around sustainability—finding a balance between community, nature, and practicality.
In 2022, I moved to Eagle County, Colorado, and began working as a Sustainability Intern for a local nonprofit. There, I worked on community-based sustainability projects like zero-waste initiatives, composting, and recycling. After a while, I became a Sustainability Coordinator. I helped businesses and residents implement sustainable practices, focusing on waste reduction and education.
My Early Life: Growing Up in Southeastern Ohio
Looking back, I realize my love for sustainability started in my childhood, surrounded by Southeastern Ohio’s natural beauty. Growing up in a rural setting, I spent hours exploring the woods, learning about plants and animals, and connecting with nature. My parents instilled a love for the environment and taught me to appreciate the simple joys of nature. These early experiences shaped my views on sustainability and taught me the importance of protecting the planet.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but the lessons I learned—how to grow food, use resources wisely, and enjoy life outdoors—helped lay the foundation for my future work in sustainability.
Sustainability as a Lifestyle: Tips and Practices
Now, as an adult living in another not-quite-as-rural small town environment and working in the sustainability field, I’ve come to understand that sustainability is not just a career or something reserved for large organizations. It’s something that can be woven into our daily lives, regardless of where we live or our circumstances. That’s why I started My Studio Sustainability—to share my journey with you, offering tips, insights, and inspiration to help you live a more sustainable life.
The Future of My Sustainability Journey
Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep growing my sustainability journey and sharing it with you. Through this blog, I hope to inspire you to take small, practical steps toward a more sustainable life. Whether it’s reducing waste at home, adopting eco-friendly habits, or joining local sustainability initiatives, every little action counts.
I’ll continue sharing my experiences—successes, challenges, and everything in between. Sustainability is a journey, not a destination, and by sharing our stories, we can all learn and build a more sustainable future together.
As my journey continues, I’ll be writing about eco-friendly travel (hello, Colorado mountains!), sustainable living tips, and fun DIY projects to inspire you. Let’s make sustainability easy, enjoyable, and something that feels right at home, no matter where we live.
Thanks for joining me on this adventure. I can’t wait to share more with you!