Lindsay E. Brown Named Eco Chick's New Managing Editor

I’m excited to announce that Lindsay E. Brown, the columnist behind the much-loved series “Heroines for the Planet” is Eco-Chick.com’s new Managing Editor. Lindsay is passionate about enhancing women’s lives in a way that involves caring for the planet and self, and so she’s the perfect addition to growing Eco Chick as we move forward.

The co-author (along with Nancy A. Shenker) of the brand new book, “Don’t Hook Up with the Dude in the Next Cube: 200 Career Secrets for 20-somethings”, Lindsay is currently out and about promoting her new guide (check out the book’s site to learn more). She says the book isn’t just about office politics though. “Sure the book is very career-focused, but many of the common themes weaved throughout are about fulfillment, happiness and health. If you are sad and sick inside, a great gig or a successful career means absolutely nothing at the end of the day. It’s important to make the right career moves, but it’s equally important to take care of yourself and to be happy,” says Lindsay.

Lindsay is on the forefront of leading the next generation of women through life lessons she’s learned as she’s navigated the world of work and personal challenges. Having struggled with an eating disorder for five years, she deeply understands what women go through when they are grappling with control of their lives or body. “My hope is that other women and girls who are out there who have struggled or are struggling, or those who may be plagued by body images issues, or any other painful period in their life, realize that it’s OK to talk about it, that it’s possible to be happy again, and that their struggle does not define them.” I think it’s so important for us to be able to speak about scary, difficult issues with each other; not feeling alone (community!) is the first step to true healing.

I asked Lindsay a few questions so you can all get to know her as well as I have over the last couple of years. Welcome Lindsay, to the Eco Chick community!

Starre Vartan: Why do you consider yourself an Eco Chick?
Lindsay Brown: I consider myself an eco chick because I evolve as our world changes and I stay true to my beliefs even when I’m not on the majority’s side. I open myself up to anything and anyone that teaches me about how I can be a more responsible citizen. I believe that every decision I make CAN make a difference, and I live my life that way. And I always support businesses who are doing the right thing by their customers and our earth.

SV: What is your biggest eco-sin?
LB: The gas-powered car my boyfriend and I drive. I know, it’s sad… But fortunately, we’re moving to Brooklyn very soon so we’ll be walking and mass transporting every day! But when we’re ready to purchase our next car, it will be electric! It’s so amazing to see all of the big carmakers going the electric route.

SV: Who/what are your three biggest inspirations for creating change?
LB: My three biggest inspirations for creating change: 1.) The people around the world who are not as fortunate as I am. I try to think about how lucky I really am when I’m having a tough day, and laugh at my first world problems. I have access to clean, safe drinking water (1 billion people throughout the world do not.) I am able to eat when I am hungry (there is a severe famine in the Horn of Africa right now. I learned more about this at the Clinton Global Initiative– it’s heartbreaking what’s going on.) I attended free public school and I am college-educated (there’s an education crisis in developing countries.) I am allowed to drive a car without being whipped, unlike women in Saudi Arabia. So to answer your question, I think about these people throughout the world who are truly suffering, who do not have the the basic liberties and needs met that I have as an American. And that inspires me to try to create change. 2.) Anyone who has the strength to overcome a difficult obstacle in their life inspires me. 3.) And all of the women I interview for Heroines for the Planet inspire me to create change. Sometimes mid-interview my eyes well up because I am so moved by their stories and perseverance.

SV: Where do you go when you need to relax/revive?
LB: I go for a really long walk in a park somewhere when I need to give myself a break and revive. I leave my iPhone at home and I just get completely lost in nature. I try to take in all of the sounds around me, enjoy the scenery and clear my mind of work. I also love taking mini getaways to Vermont in the winter. They’re good for the soul.