Building on the Power of Connection and Collaboration.

The Next Chapter of the Ecochallenge Story.

A farewell note from departing Ecochallenge Executive Director Liz Zavodsky.

I’ve had the privilege of being a part of Ecochallenge over the past 14 years, the last 6 as Executive Director. As I move on, I’m honored to pass the reins to Dr. Lauren Watkins and Brooke Tully, two incredible women poised to develop and nurture the next chapter of this wonderful organization.

Ecochallenge has been around for more than 30 years. Over that time, we’ve grown from a local Oregon nonprofit into a nationally recognized enterprise that has engaged nearly half a million people. We’ve evolved through economic downfalls, pandemics, and divisive political landscapes, all while taking risks, growing our audience and programs, and staying committed to our mission. Among its many successes, I am proudest of how this organization has leaned into the opportunities presented by change, evolving to serve our community and stay true to our mission rather than maintaining a rigid way of doing things.

As I pass the leadership baton to Lauren and Brooke, I am reflecting on my time here with gratitude, pride, and inspiration. We have so many reasons to celebrate as an organization.

When Ecochallenge launched in 1995, we were a local nonprofit built around the idea that by coming together and connecting in community, we could achieve greater impact than any of us could achieve alone. As technology enabled our connections to grow from backyards and basements to a nationwide network, our work has expanded, become more diverse, and developed to encompass new ideas, goals, and people. Our fundamental dedication to collective action and impact is stronger today than ever.

As I reflect on my time leading Ecochallenge, a couple of memories stand out. One is from a discussion course with Bank of America employees based on our book Choices for Sustainable Living. At the end of the series, we had a conversation about next steps. One person shared that he and his family were moving to a new state, and that the book and discussions had changed their perspective and priorities for their new home. They’d learned they wanted to be close to parks, live in an area with sidewalks and bike lanes, and be part of a strong community. The comment encompassed so much of the reflection and action we hope our programs inspire.

Another story is about a person who participated in our Earth Month Ecochallenge. The first year he joined, he made the simple decision to take a reusable coffee mug to the coffee shop each morning on the way to work. He wrote to me three years later to tell me he was still doing it and hadn’t used a single-serving cup in three years. This may sound like a small action, but it meant this one man had saved nearly 1,000 plastic cups from going into the landfill.

I love these stories because they show how small actions and discussions really make a difference in people’s lives, and, in turn, they make a difference for our communities and planet.

I am so excited to see where Lauren and Brooke take the next chapter of Ecochallenge. They are both experts in behavior change; from the beginning, our work has been grounded in the science of behavior change related to conservation and the natural world. Brooke and Lauren are also both well respected in corporate, nonprofit and environmental communities, and Lauren, who is an adjunct professor, will bring her experience in higher education to enhance our offerings.

Lauren and Brooke have the skills, energy, and insight needed to guide Ecochallenge into the future. They also acknowledge and respect our organization’s long history. I have had the honor and privilege of being a part of this organization and community thanks to the many people who led before me. Lauren and Brooke are the faces of the next chapter in our 30+ year story. It will be successful because of the incredible women they are and the remarkable work they do.

As a continuing supporter and donor to Ecochallenge, I’m excited about the potential for technology to further expand our impact and bring people together going forward. I’m hopeful we will soon have an app experience for folks who want it. I’m hopeful to continue exploring new perspectives and the power of behavior change in our lives. And I’m excited to see us reach over 100,000 people each year through partners, clients, and everyday people.

Ecochallenge is founded on a belief in the power of collaboration and connection, and the fundamental understanding that we can solve our biggest challenges when we come together. I’m thrilled to cheer on our organization as it continues to strive toward a better future through the power of people working together for change, one discussion and action at a time.