About

Laura has a Master’s in Public Health from UC — Berkeley and 25 years of experience working on environmental policy for government agencies and advocacy organizations in Oregon, Washington State and Washington D.C. She also has a M.B.A. in Sustainable Business from the Bainbridge Graduate Institute. She recently made a brief foray into corporate employment, working for a large food service company as their West Coast Sustainability Manager. In that position, she learned about durable, reusable takeout containers being used on some college campuses, and had the idea that they also could work for food carts. When she’s not eating at one of Portland’s fabulous food carts, passing progressive environmental legislation, or trying to reduce waste, Laura enjoys hiking, camping, bicycling, and cross-country skiing. Some of her favorite places include San Cristobal de las Casas (Mexico), “Thousand Acres” dog park (the Sandy River Delta), and Trout Lake (Washington). She and her husband, who also enjoy visiting foreign countries together, live with their two Mexican mutts in close-in Southeast Portland. How did you first get involved in the green industry? I have been involved in environmental sustainability for my whole career. Most of my work has been in the area of environmental policy and advocacy. What interests you most about being green? Reducing our impact on the planet is critical for the long-term viability of not just human health, but of all the other species we share the earth with. What is your biggest “green” pet peeve? Greenwashing. What green trend is most exciting to you or your industry? Seeing more companies doing waste audits to better understand how to save money and resources.