18 Questions with Sofia Zamboli

What is your name and how old are you?

Sofia Zamboli, 19.

Where do you go to school?

I go to Tufts University in Somerville, MA.

What year are you in?

I am a Sophomore.

What is your first memory of being green as a kid?

My first memory of being green as a kid is going to a beach clean up with my whole family in Key Biscayne, Florida. I felt so important because they gave us t-shirts and everything.

What is your favorite (green) memory growing up?

My favorite green memory as a kid was singing the Jack Johnson song “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” at a school recital. Such a fun way to learn about being eco-friendly.

From a young age, why did you think leading a ‘green’ lifestyle was important?

I have always thought it was important and have been conscious of being green, especially given my dad’s influence as a surfer and fisher. He loves the ocean and always preached to us about the importance of picking up trash, bringing your own bags to the market, and recycling.

What inspired you to promote a green lifestyle?

My mom and dad really influenced me in leading a green lifestyle. Watching their green habits made me, in turn, pursue them as well.

How do you lead a green lifestyle in college?

I always recycle and compost everything I can. I always bring my own portable coffee mug to cafes instead of getting a paper cup. I don’t own a car and walk or use public transportation everywhere I go. These small things do a lot.

Are there ways to get involved in making your campus greener?

Yes. At Tufts every dorm has something called an eco-rep. These people are basically there to make sure our dorms are conducting green activities. They also plan fun events surrounding eco-consciousness. Then, of course, there are clubs you can join on campus.

In what ways does your school promote a green campus?

Our school has the Office of Sustainability that tries to make sure Tufts is as green of a place as it can be. There has been a huge push recently for Tufts to go completely carbon neutral. I believe they are in the process of making that a reality. Also, we have charging stations on campus for electric cars which is pretty cool.

If you could make one eco-change on your campus- what would it be?

If I could make one change it would probably be to have an eco-training session for incoming freshmen so they know what kind of sustainable habits they can practice on campus.

What is one environmental change you vow to make this year?

Lately, I have been trying to bring reusable bags with me everywhere I go because while I do that already I tend to forget sometimes.

Where do you fall on the green scale?

I think on a scale of 1-10 I am at a 7. I feel like you can only go so far without really altering your lifestyle like I have no interest in being a vegetarian right now and that would for sure give me a boost on the scale.

Do you lead a vegan lifestyle?

I do not. I do drink dairy free milk only though!

Who would you want to have an eco conversation with past or present?

Al Gore! He actually came to my university last year to give a talk and I attended, but I would love to meet him and have a sit-down talk with him.

What would you like to discuss?

I would love to talk about his books more in depth. He already talked about what he thinks about for the future of our planet, but I would obviously address that again. I would also ask him who he thinks should run in 2020.

If you could promise the planet one eco-change what would it be?

I would promise the planet that every person recycles.

What do you think is the biggest misunderstanding student have on being green?

I think college students generally have eco-friendliness pretty engrained in their lifestyles, but maybe they have the misunderstanding that it doesn’t affect them so directly so It doesn’t matter if they don’t practice certain eco-friendly habits, but It does matter.