Talking with...
Kimberly Danek Pinkson

he Cradle:  What inspired you to create the EcoMom Alliance?

Kimberly: My son Corbin inspires me on every level. As soon as I became a mom, I knew I had to do everything I could to make his life as healthy and wonderful as possible.

I founded the EcoMom Alliance in October of 2006 after co-producing an event for the United Nations World Environment Day and realizing that the power of motherhood could be harnessed to help create a sustainable future. Mothers are one of the most powerful market forces and they are role models with a vested interest (their children) in supporting and creating a healthier environment.

Being involved with nature, and knowing that all things are connected, has played an important part of my life.  As a mother, I want to know that I have done everything in my power to make sure that my son Corbin - and all of our future generations - will have the same access to nature as I do. There is not one part of our biosphere that is not threatened right now and it is imperative that we take action to create a legacy of environmental, social, and economic health and prosperity. Otherwise, there will be no lakes to swim in, no snow to ski on, no waterfalls to play under, and very little fresh water to drink.

But this isn’t just about the environment. We are all anchored by the basic understanding that everything is connected. This is why we say “Sustain Your Home, Sustain Your Planet, Sustain Your Self.” Going down to the local farmers market and buying local, organic products saves you time sitting in traffic. It saves natural resources. It allows you to make friends with local vendors and community members. It keeps you and your family live healthier by preventing exposure to toxins and pesticides. It is not just about the planet, it is about making life a richer, more enjoyable, and healthier experience.

The Cradle:  Tell us a bit about the EcoMom Challenge.

Kimberly: The EcoMom Challenge is a call to action that asks people to step up and take 10 First Steps for a Sustainable Future. The steps are simple, easy, accessible things that help the environment and help make life richer, healthier, and more enjoyable. You can find the list and join EcoMom Alliance at www.ecomomalliance.org. We are about aligning intentions and actions - we all want to do our best, sometimes we just need a guiding hand to hold. We try to be that hand. 

The Cradle: Your EcoMom Parties sound like fun! What goes on at these soirees?

Kimberly: They are really fun! All of our outreach is based in wanting to bring moms together - to connect and address the fact that so many moms feel isolated and overextended. Most often, EcoMom Parties are held at someone’s home, though sometimes they are at restaurants or stores. They are first and foremost an opportunity for women to get out of the house, make new friends,  and catch up with old ones. We typically share stories, ideas, and resources. Depending on the time of day there is some sort of organic food and beverage served, and then there’s a little talk about being an EcoMom and taking the 10 Steps of the EcoMom Challenge. My favorite part is when the moms start asking questions and sharing ideas - it’s always very inspiring and informative!