Cool Effect’s Jodi Manning: “Here are 5 things we must do to inspire the next generation about sustainability and the environment”
An Interview With Penny Bauder
In recent years, sustainability initiatives have become more and more of a priority for businesses. Just recently, we partnered with Salesforce to help them reach carbon neutrality through support of carbon reduction projects. In many cases, putting sustainable practices in place can actually save money in the long run. For example, installing solar panels to increase energy efficiency and limiting waste can decrease overall costs. Additionally, many job seekers are looking to work for companies who prioritize limiting their environmental impact. Prioritizing sustainability might be the reason a job seeker chooses your company over another.
As part of my series about what we must do to inspire the next generation about sustainability and the environment, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jodi Manning. Jodi is the Director of Marketing for Cool Effect, who is responsible for nurturing the Cool Effect community and for providing simple ways for anyone to reduce carbon emissions. Prior to joining Cool Effect, Jodi was SVP of digital strategy and content for Touchstorm, where she led the delivery team for Fortune 500 companies interested in using video as new media. Previously, Jodi served as Creative Director at Digitas, Arnold Communications, and Ogilvy & Mather. Jodi resides in the Bay Area with her family and is an enthusiast of local food and the environment that fosters it.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
I grew up on a ranch and saw how multiple generations of my family loved the land and cared for it over the course of decades. The land provided for our family, and we in turn provided for the land. But climate change is threatening to break that bond. Every day, we are working to be part of the solution. Our mission, at Cool Effect, is to give others hope that they can be part of the solution, too. There is still time to restore our planet’s future for generations to come.
Was there an “aha moment” or a specific trigger that made you decide you wanted to become an environmental leader? Can you share that story with us?
I love to travel. I believe it promotes peace and helps us all grow. When I first heard the term “Travel Shame” I was struck by a flood of feelings. And I thought, this is something I can tackle. This is an area where I can help people by giving them tips and options. Offsetting travel isn’t the long-term solution, but it is something we can do right now. It can make a significant difference immediately while we develop bigger, longer term solutions.
Is there a lesson you can take out of your own story that can exemplify what can inspire a young person to become an environmental leader?
Keep an open mind. Listen more than speak. And take leaps of faith. Prior to meeting Dee and Richard Lawrence, co-founders of Cool Effect, I had not worked in the world of non-profit. But their passion and commitment inspired me deeply to take part.
Can you tell our readers about the initiatives that you or your company are taking to address climate change or sustainability? Can you give an example for each?
Cool Effect is a non-profit dedicated to reducing carbon emissions around the world by allowing individuals, businesses, organizations and universities to create a tangible impact on climate change. Cool Effect works to fund the highest quality carbon reduction projects that are verifiably and measurably reducing global warming emissions. Each project verifiably reduces carbon and has socio-economic benefits for the surrounding community.
Climate education is also a priority for Cool Effect. Recently, Cool Effect announced the availability, on its website, of Securing Climate Benefit: A Guide to Using Carbon Offsets. The guide was developed by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and Greenhouse Gas Management Institute (GHGMI), together with High Tide Foundation, and will serve as the most current and thorough educational resource of its kind for individuals, businesses and organizations who want to learn more about carbon offsetting and carbon offset projects.
Through support from over 535,000 community members and work with businesses, Cool Effect has retired over 1.39 million tonnes of carbon since launching in 2015.
Can you share 3 lifestyle tweaks things that the general public can do to be more sustainable or help address the climate change challenge?
Absolutely! Here are a few easy lifestyle changes that anyone can implement into their daily lives.
- Become more conscious of consumption and make efforts to reduce waste.
- Make smart, informed decisions about travel — like flying only when necessary, choosing economy over first class, and selecting airlines that use biofuels.
- No matter how many adjustments we make to our lifestyle, we just won’t be able to reduce it all. Offset the remainder of your carbon footprint through high quality, additional carbon reduction projects, such as the projects available at CoolEffect.org. Not only will you be reducing carbon emissions, you’ll be supporting local communities.
Ok, thank you for all that. Here is the main question of our interview: The youth led climate strikes of September 2019 showed an impressive degree of activism and initiative by young people on behalf of climate change. This was great, and there is still plenty that needs to be done. In your opinion what are 5 things parents should do to inspire the next generation to become engaged in sustainability and the environmental movement? Please give a story or an example for each.
- Educate. Teach children about climate change and what is contributing to it, so that they can understand what makes an impact, how and why.
- Be an example. Take small steps to reduce your impact at home, like reducing waste and eating sustainably.
- Encourage them to be curious. Let children ask questions, so that they can lead the conversation.
- Support their voice. Encourage your children to speak up for what they believe in.
- Allow them to be children. It’s important to remember that these are our children, and we want to encourage them to be informed and engaged, but not fear for the future.
How would you articulate how a business can become more profitable by being more sustainable and more environmentally conscious? Can you share a story or example?
In recent years, sustainability initiatives have become more and more of a priority for businesses. Just recently, we partnered with Salesforce to help them reach carbon neutrality through support of carbon reduction projects.
In many cases, putting sustainable practices in place can actually save money in the long run. For example, installing solar panels to increase energy efficiency and limiting waste can decrease overall costs.
Additionally, many job seekers are looking to work for companies who prioritize limiting their environmental impact. Prioritizing sustainability might be the reason a job seeker chooses your company over another.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
My Dad, without a doubt. He is a farmer and still lives in Iowa. He is deeply committed to the land and to the next generation. He has taught me more than I can ever thank him for.
If you could inspire a movement that would bring the greatest amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
I have always wanted to feed the world. One pillar to fighting climate change is to fight food waste. I’d like to help ensure that all humans, especially our children, have proper nutrition and ample food.
Do you have a favorite life lesson quote? Can you tell us how that was relevant to you in your own life?
“Fate whispers to the warrior, ‘You cannot withstand the storm.’ The warrior whispers back, ‘I am the storm.’”
In our office, they affectionately call me “the tornado.”
What is the best way for people to follow you on social media?
