A college student at Boston University from Massachusetts, Dena became an Uvida ambassador in May 2021.
Why did you want to become an Uvida ambassador? I wanted to become an Uvida ambassador because I am passionate about living green and love the mission of Uvida. Maria had come to speak at a meeting for an environmental club that I am in at school and I loved her enthusiasm and determination - I became an ambassador because I wanted to help grow Uvida to educate and inspire more people to go Zero Waste.
How did you hear about Uvida? I heard about Uvida first when Maria came to Boston University's Environmental Student Organization (ESO) and I was so inspired that someone who had just graduated college was able to create Boston's first zero waste store. Maria's enthusiasm was contagious. ESO was able to visit the store one weekend and Maria gave us a tour.
What is your favorite thing about Uvida? My favorite thing about Uvida, aside from its core mission of Zero Waste, is the sense of community - I have always felt so welcomed into the store and love how Uvida does pop-ups for local businesses to be able to utilize the storefront location as well.
How do you like to connect with people/tell them about Uvida? (ex. through social media, through talking about products) I like sharing posts and stories to reach a wider audience but I also like talking with friends and family about awesome new products.
What is your favorite Uvida product? I love the kitchen removable wooden scrubber (Sisal Kitchen Brush)! So much better than having to constantly buy sponges that do not work as well and have to be thrown away often.
What is your favorite Uvida plant? I love the little succulents!
Do you plan/are you incorporating green lifestyle choices into your job or do you plan to in the future? I am studying Environmental Analysis and Policy and hope to work in green building, helping older buildings adapt to become more carbon neutral and ensuring new structures are build sustainably.
I try to be conscious of the environment with all my actions, especially with products and foods that I buy but even many vegetarian foods have excess packaging at times - I love that Uvida is zero waste so even the packaging of the zero waste products is environmentally friendly.
What are some of your hobbies? running, spending time with my family and friends, reading, exploring the city
What is your favorite season and why? Spring because the days get longer and the weather gets warmer and life reemerges from winter and you can spend so much more time outside.
Please share a green tip or an inspirational quote that motivates you to keep living green. "Please believe in THE POWER OF ONE. One person can make an enormous difference in the world...You as ONE individual can change millions of lives. Think big. Do not limit your vision and do not ever compromise your dreams or ideals." - Iris Chang (historian)