The best way to achieve one’s goals is by allowing others to help them. At ALLMYNE, as you know, we pride ourselves in focusing on sustainable travel while helping local communities.
Over the past few months, we have had the honor of joining with partners all over the world. One of our most recent collaborations has been with Sustainable Contra Costa, a community of hardworking individuals trying to help thousands of people learn to live sustainably and make earth-saving changes in their daily lives.
Their work is guided by the 10 One Planet Living principles:
- Health and happiness;
- Equity and local economy;
- Culture and community;
- Land and nature;
- Sustainable water;
- Local and sustainable food;
- Travel and transport;
- Materials and products;
- Zero waste; and
- Zero carbon energy
Founded in 2008, Sustainable Contra Costa (SCOCO) is one of the broadest reaching nonprofits in all of Contra Costa. We got the chance to talk with Sonny Hutchinson, the Education & Outreach Coordinator for SCOCO, to learn all about the ins and outs of this incredible nonprofit. Let’s see what he had to say!
Thanks for taking the time to sit down and talk with me, Sonny! We are so glad that you’re working with us to help change the world for the better. Tell me a bit about SCOCO. What is the organizations mission? What are its primary goals?
I’m glad we have the time to chat! So, Sustainable Contra Costa is a community of citizens, educators, innovators, and organizations designing and building pathways to ecologically sustainable, economically vibrant, and socially just communities for all. Together, we help thousands of people each year learn to live more sustainably and make changes to save water and energy, reduce waste, grow food, and build healthy, resilient communities.
That is an honorable goal to pursue. It’s so important not only as travelers but also as people as a whole to understand what it means to pursue a greener lifestyle. Most people think it’s too hard to do or don’t know how to start. Your program helps them take those first steps, and that’s really incredible.
Thank you!
Of course! Now, with those goals, how are you currently engaging with your audience? What channels do you use?
Well, we have a monthly e-newsletter, social media, tabling at public events, and presentations at schools.
I love that you’re getting in contact with schools. Starting this sort of thing at a young age is a smart move. Getting kids excited about recycling or saving water will help everyone in the long run. For all our readers out there, check out the links to their social media at the end of this interview! If you’re alright with it, I’d love to dive a bit deeper into what SCOCO is up to. What are some key initiatives—or projects—that you all are currently focused on?
First off, we have the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge! This is a free online resource where you’ll find practical solutions and local resources to help you save money, energy, water, and waste. You can see how each action improves your carbon footprint and track your progress to make an impact on climate change.
We are also currently focusing on improving air quality in our community. For example, The East Bay Clean Air Coalition—convened by SCOCO—unites community-based organizations and agencies to collaboratively improve air quality and public health in Antioch, Pittsburg, and Bay Point, aiming to create a sustainable environment where all residents thrive and their voices are central to ensuring community well-being.
I’ve actually signed up to be a part of the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge, even though I’m in Pennsylvania and it is California-based. My partner is an environmental and energy engineer, so we are always looking for ways to live greener lives even in our small town! We’ve started eating a lot greener and wasting less water when we wash the dishes. It’s been fun to log it and see how we’re doing. People should check it out. It was really easy to figure out, too! How can our travelers at home help you achieve these goals?
We just really want to expand our audience, get the word out there. We also would love to fill occasional volunteer needs and recruit some donors!
I think our travelers can handle that! Are there any events coming up that we should look out for?
Yes, actually! One thing I can think of immediately is our annual Awards Gala, which happens in September. It celebrates all the organizations and individuals who work to make sustainable communities a reality. Currently, we are accepting nominations for the awards. This year it will be on September 17th, and the deadline for nominations is July 1st.
That’s such a beautiful idea! A way to celebrate being green while also networking with other “solutionaries,” as you call them. Before we wrap up here—I know you all are very busy over at SCOCO—is there anything else you’d like the people to know?
Just definitely check out the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge. As you said, it is easy to sign up and do, and you can track all the progress you make along with the progress your community is making. Please share it with your neighbors, friends, family, whomever! You can put any state and city in to get more accurate estimates for your CO2 submissions.
Well, you’ve all heard it directly from Sonny at SCOCO. Check out their Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge and nominate a group or person that you feel is doing incredible things in helping communities become more sustainable. Sustainable Contra Costa’s social media can be found below. We encourage you to check them out!
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