ABOUT ECO18
Eco18 is a collective of creative writing individuals with a common goal—to live a healthier more natural lifestyle. From diverse backgrounds, cultures and interests, their combined expertise, humor and opinions will explore green and sustainable in a practical, fun way.
No judgments, no preaching just an exploration of doing a little bit, everyday to make our world a better, cleaner place for the generations to come. It’s a learning process for us all.
It started with smilinggreenmom.com and now Eco18 is an evolution of one moms conversation expanded to include the universe of voices all looking to connect, share and learn.
There’s a lot we can do together…. Join us as often as you can…we love company!
ABOUT OUR NAME
We wanted something that’s easy to remember and embodied our purpose. Eco—well that’s self explanatory and 18—apart from being the age of majority in many countries (the coming of age), the Hebrew word for “life” has a numerical value of 18. There’s a lot of interesting trivia about the number 18, but the fact that life itself is totally connected to and dependent on a thriving, green, clean ecosystem was enough for us.
| Sue Taggart Founder & Integrated Marketer For a Brit transplant from a rural area, living in New York City for over 25 years has certainly presented it challenges. Life has come full circle with a weekend refuge in the Catskill Mountains that is certainly closer to my original “home” than my city apartment will ever be. I’m blessed I now have the best of both worlds. A serious health issue in my mid-thirties gave me pause to really think about whether allopathic medicine was my best option. Turned out is was not. Life has a really strange way of nudging you in the right direction if you are open to change. For the past twenty years I have, and continue to be, the CEO and Chief Brand Strategist at ADinfinitum in NYC. My marketing background and passion for natural health options sealed my fate. Now, I’m taking what I have learned and pouring it into Eco18, in the hope that my little bit of knowledge can be a helpful thing! INTERESTS: |
| Melody Morrow Researcher and Partnership Builder Melody “greens up” in her own way. With a background in non-profit and new business development, Mel drives relationship collaboration and sponsor partnerships for Eco18. Not one to sit quietly by, Mel has lobbied in Albany for health & environmental issues, discovered how rooftops in NYC are used for gardening, solar energy and park space, and has been a long time active member of The Young Survival Coalition. INTERESTS: |
| Nick Livermore Contributor and Blogger Nick belongs to the last generations to remember pre-internet. Nick spent hours playing outside and eating fruit fresh right from trees in his native Australia – he hasn’t forgotten what it’s like to spend summers on the farm, eating what you grow and respecting the environment. When not writing or talking about writing, Nick likes to spend time drinking craft beer and artisan cocktails, checking out the latest restaurants and Broadway productions and exercising in the great outdoors. INTERESTS: |
| Dennis Machicao Contributor A New Yorker born and bred, Dennis is one of the few living in The Big Apple who didn’t come from somewhere else. A cultural sponge— Dennis’s passion for travel is matched only by his adventurous spirit for trying all kinds of foods—and his love of cars. With a manufacturing background in natural and organic cosmetics, he knows what’s “green” when it comes to ingredients. INTERESTS: |
| Lauren Verini Contributor and Blogger Lauren was born and raised in Connecticut and had the opportunity to live in Las Vegas before settling in New York. Her various experiences have lead her to have an appreciation of both city living and outdoor adventures. She enjoys exploring the city to find interesting restaurants and bars, and tries to fit in as many concerts and Broadway shows as she can. New to the world of “eco-friendly”, she enjoys learning new ways to improve the world around her. INTERESTS: Traveling Yoga Music Reading Dogs |
| Leesa Raab Editor and Social Media Director Leesa grew up on a farm in Indiana, where most of the food that was put on the table was raised or grown right in her backyard. Her family was living a natural-lifestyle without her even realizing it. Leesa wouldn’t say she is the greenest crayon in the box, but having lived in San Francisco and now New York, she takes an interest in trying to be eco-friendly in an urban environment. INTERESTS: |
| Hana Tsukamoto Creative Director and Style Guru Hana moved to the US from Japan when she was twelve years old. Her passion, her two Pomeranians who just happen to be the cutest things on four legs! Hana’s innate sense of style and design esthetics are products of her rich cultural heritage and unique talent. Green is her new favorite color. INTERESTS: |
