Top 5 actions you can do to support renewable energy! Interview with Nikki Fotheringham

NIKKI AND HER DOG

Nikki Fotheringham is a rockstar. She's a full time writer creating content for renewable energy and green buildings. Her blog http://www.nikkifotheringham.com/ is chock full of sagely advice for the sustainable future.

Bryan: Hi Nikki!

 Nikki: Hi Bryan and thanks so much for this lovely opportunity. Its nice to be on the other side of the interview for a change.

 Bryan: How did you get your start in writing content for renewable energy and green building?

 Nikki: I had been a writer for many years. I started as a reporter in my hometown of Durban, South Africa. I went on to become an editor for a property magazine for several years until I wanted to travel. I spent the next 8 years traveling around the world. I met my husband at my first destination and we funded our rock and roll lifestyle on a mix of travel writing and teaching English. Traveling really brings home the many things we have to be grateful for in our lives and seeing the impact our unsustainable lifestyles have on those in developing countries really brought home to me the need to live a sustainable life. Traveling also taught me that I can get by just fine with the stuff I can fit into a backpack - I really don't need anything else. When we returned to Canada (my husband, Ian, is Canadian) we both decided to pursue careers in promoting a sustainable and viable lifestyle that we could be proud of. I started blogging for environmental and green building websites. It was a huge learning curve for me and a very new industry that didn't offer a ton of work for a green blogger. It has taken many years to get established in the field, but it has been one long, lovely crazy ride. I am writing to you from my home office in the woods north of TO. Its great out here and we are living a more sustainable life and I am one of the few people I know who can really say that I LOVE MY JOB!



 Bryan: What's been the biggest hurdle in establishing yourself as a viable and sustainable business?

VIEW FROM NIKKI's OFFICE

 Nikki: The biggest hurdle has been finding enough clients that were willing to invest in online content. Most green building industries were just starting out themselves and reticent to spend money. Its taken a while to see that online content is not an expense, but an investment. Now my clients are saving tons of money on advertising by driving traffic to their sites through their blog. Having a blog sets you up as a thought leader and an expert in the field. You also offer your clients a wealth of valuable information that adds to the body of knowledge on the Internet and is there to help others live a sustainable life, so its a very valuable investment. Now that people understand the value of online content and the public are so interested in learning more about green building techniques, its a really great field to be involved in.

 Bryan: What's your favorite topic to write about - specifically in the field?

Nikki: I have many favorite topics, but I specialize in green building. Here I like to investigate new technologies and offer consumers accurate information and realistic expectations. The more people know, the more they can do to reduce their energy consumption. I enjoy guest blogging too - the community of green writers is such a warm and friendly one and I really enjoy sharing thoughts and getting feedback from readers. I love that blogging is more of a conversation than traditional writing allows.

Bryan: What's your best top 5 actions someone can do now to participate in reknewable energy? 

WHERE NIKKI LIVES

Nikki:
 1) Educate: read as much as you can (especially on the internet!) so that you can keep abreast of all your options when buying or retrofitting your home. You can get rebates from the government that help to pay for improvements. Also, the savings will be really high, so its worth the investment. In your home and business, try to find ways of investing in your building every year. 


 2) Recycle: Everything, all the time. You can do so much better! Don't be caught in the consumer cycle, try to pass things you no longer need onto someone who can use them. Try to find things you need from others before buying something new. Remember - vintage is in! Use less and recycle the things you do use. Take public transport, or walk or ride your bike. Its great for the environment and healthier for you. You can loose weight and help the planet at the same time = win/win! 


 3) Eat locally. Imported produce has a huge carbon footprint. Choose items that are locally made and support local farmers and industry. Better still, grow your own. Vegetables are surprisingly easy to grow and you can grow them in pots if you live in an apartment. 


 4) Have fun. Enjoy being outside and take your kids out whenever possible. Instilling a love of the outdoors is the best way to help preserve it. Plant trees and grow your own veggies. 


 5) Support causes near to your heart and petition your local and national governments to protect our environment and reduce emissions.