My name is Shannon Hines and I’ve been part of the HONBLUE team since 2004. When I started, HONBLUE had been utilizing current sustainability and recycling best practices for years. When it was clear we needed to provide support for and share initiatives with others, I became the logical and more than willing choice to manage this effort. Here’s why:

I’ve been labeled a tree-hugger, a conservationist and sometimes, a hippie. To be honest with you, I’m not really sure what to call myself. What I do know is that I’ve been this way my entire life and I think this story from my father pretty much sums me up:

Shopping with him one day – sometime before I had learned to read – I noticed a display with a big jar of buttons at the check out counter. The cashier explained to me that for a gift of $$, each donor received a “Save the Whales” button. By the time my Dad reached the check-out I was holding the jar; approaching every customer, asking them for money and reminding them that if they gave enough, they’d get a free button.

My Dad always taught us that we shouldn’t perpetuate the concept of a disposable society and to take an active role. He encouraged us to ride bikes, shut off the water while brushing and reuse bags at the store.

Growing up this way, I just assumed everyone thought and acted this way too. In fact, I was so shocked when one of my high school friends threw trash out the car window that I almost lost my lunch out the other side. Since then it’s become clear to me that I need to do for others what my Dad did for me – educate, lead by example and hopefully inspire.

At HONBLUE, as a LEED Green Associate, I get to help investigate, develop and implement sustainability practices. Today we have a number of programs in place and even find ways to help others become more sustainable. I continue to learn what I can and I’m committed to spreading positive thoughts, useful knowledge and thought provoking stories. I truly feel like HONBLUE and I are making a difference.