INSPIRED IMPACT™ is an ongoing blog series that gives voice to social entrepreneurs and leaders of purpose-driven organizations who are making an impact in their communities, industries, and around the world.
Ryan Lewis is the Founder & CEO of EarthHero headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn and learn more at earthhero.com.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I help make it easier for people to shop sustainably.
WHY DO YOU DO IT?
The world has a serious over-consumption problem. The world makes products that cause harm to our planet. I started EarthHero because I want to help change that.
WHAT IMPACT ARE YOU MAKING?
EarthHero makes it easy to shop sustainably. This, in turn, reduces our use of natural resources, energy, carbon, air pollutants, toxins and creates less waste and pollution. We are also accelerating a paradigm shift from “mindless consumption” to “conscious consumption.”
WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO MAKE THIS IMPACT?
There have been many. Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia; Annie Leonard, Story of Stuff; and Blake Mycoskie, founder of Toms to name a few.
WHAT’S YOUR BIG DREAM FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE?
To make conscious and sustainable consumption the new norm.
WHAT RESOURCES DO YOU NEED TO MAKE THOSE DREAMS COME TRUE?
We need to continue to grow our exposure so people know EarthHero is the go-to for everything sustainable. We also need to continue to grow our product assortment, brand selection, and overall brand awareness.
WHAT IS (OR HAS BEEN) YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
There is a lot of confusion around the broad topic of sustainability. What is sustainable? Why is it sustainable? Does it really matter? Will I have an impact as an individual? Is it really sustainable? Does it cost too much? These questions and others we work hard to answer, demystify, and create an inclusive invitation for all to join the movement, wherever you are on your eco-journey and participate!
WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER LEADERS LOOKING TO MAKE AN IMPACT?
Do it. The world needs it. But understand, it will not be easy, because building anything significant and with passion isn’t. Don’t go at it alone. People will help. In general, it’s a very collaborative culture in the world of social impact. Join an organization like 1% for the planet or B-Corp to surround yourself with like-minded entrepreneurs.
HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT YOU OR YOUR CAUSE?
Follow us on social, share what you like, shop some of our products. If you are a person with a large following that would like to promote EarthHero to your audience, contact us! We’ve got a nice partnership program.
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