Madison Environmental Group Incorporated—Interview with Sonya Newenhouse

By: Jenna Kelly

Check out the video of our interview with Madison Environmental Here!

While in Madison, Wisconsin, we were fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the Madison Environmental Group Incorporated. This organization is a sustainability consulting firm that has been around for twelve years. Sonya Newenhouse is the president of the group and believes that she and her team can improve the environment by working with organizations and individuals in communion. Her clients and customers span a broad range from larger companies and corporations to individual members of the Madison community and beyond. For example, one of the programs that the organization conducts with individuals is the Steps to Greener Living Program. This is an “action-oriented reading club.” This club uses a book that can be accessed for free online at enactwi.org and provides over 1000 tips developed by Madison Environmental Group Incorporated’s staff.

Sonya tells us that she is truly inspired by meeting good people from all walks of life who are working for sustainability. It’s not about the “heroes” she says, but about the everyday people doing what they can. She even mentions that in the year 2009, the US sold more seed than ever before. People are learning how to garden and are being taught and inspired by programs like the Steps to Greener Living Program. This is exciting and should challenge the rest of us to continue moving in a positive direction.

Lastly, Sonya talks about how she and her team have managed to make their work space sustainable. Their office is 2000 sq. ft. and they purchased it five years ago. In a great location, right in the heart of Madison, Capitol Square, the team encourages anyone to stop by at any time. The group organized the office on four pillars of sustainability:

1)      Efficient use of space- this means no cubicles

2)      Energy conservation—Maximum natural light and of course compact florescent bulbs only!

3)      Improving indoor air quality—Maximizing air flow

4)      Using salvaged materials as much as possible—the windows, and doors are all renewed, and the furniture is reupholstered with eco-friendly wool!

These are, of course, only a few of the many astonishing ways that the group has figured out to protect our environment for future generations.

Don’t forget to check out madisonenvironmental.com !