A Look Back at SXSW Eco v1
From carbon zero cities, to the neuroscience of consumption, and even how to feed nine billion people, the inaugural SXSW Eco explored solutions to our world’s most pressing challenges. By connecting over 1,000 leaders from the sustainability profession, together we furthered this vital conversation on the ground to the systems levels.
Here are a few events that highlighted SXSW Eco’s first year:
- Philippe Cousteau launched the Global Echo Exchange Traded Fund (NYSE: GIVE)
- More than 200 of sustainability’s brain trust attending SXSW Eco joined together for an intimate dinner and inspired conversation.
- The EPA and HHS unveiled their joint agency Environmental Justice strategy at SXSW Eco with a duo presentation by Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health and Human Services, and Bob Perciasepe, Deputy EPA Administrator.
- Despite humans being fundamentally incapable of reduced consumption, Matthew Nordan presented evidence through case studies that revealed entrepreneurial innovations that may advance sustainable consumption.
Check out the SXSW Eco 2011 speakers here and sessions here.
Annie Leonard to Keynote SXSW Eco 2012!
We are pleased to announce the first Keynote Speaker for SXSW Eco 2012: Annie Leonard, Co-Director of The Story of Stuff Project. The Los Angeles Times describes Annie as "America's pitchperson for a new style of environmental message."
Annie has dedicated nearly two decades to investigating and organizing on environmental health and justice issues, traveling to over 40 countries to visit the factories where our stuff is made and the dumps where it ends up.
In December 2007, she released The Story of Stuff, a hit 20-minute web film that takes viewers on a provocative and eye-opening tour of the often hidden costs of our consumer-driven culture. That was supposed to be it: one movie, one webpage. But the film went viral and has generated over 12 million views in more than 200 countries and territories since its launch, making it one of the most successful environmental-themed viral films of all time.
A community was galvanized and The Story of Stuff Project was formed. A total of seven “Story of…” films have been released, dealing with the environmental effects of everyday stuff like electronics, cosmetics and bottled water. An eighth film, The Story of Change, is in production and seeking funding. Annie Leonard says, “I’m more excited to share this movie with you than any of the six we’ve made since releasing the original Story of Stuff because it explains how we can make big change together by exercising our citizen muscles. You see, I’m convinced that there’s one main thing keeping us from making big change. We’ve got the ideas — solutions to many vexing environmental and social problems exist right now.
We’ve got the commitment — the vast majority of people want a healthy environment, good jobs and vibrant communities.
We just need some serious action!"
Annie Leonard will deliver her SXSW Eco Keynote at 2pm on Friday, October 5th, the final day of our 3-day conference at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center in Austin. Register now and join us here in Austin this fall for SXSW ECO 2012!
Welcome to SXSW Eco 2012
After a successful 2011 event, SXSW Eco is back for it's second year. SXSW Eco 2012 will take place October 3-5 in Austin at the AT&T Conference Center. The SXSW Eco Conference is designed to be a forum for the global community to present solutions to and discuss the many sustainability challenges facing the natural world, the globalized economy and humankind. By gathering professionals across the public, private and academic sectors, we foster collaboration among groups of people who do not necessarily have the opportunity to connect in their everyday lives.
It’s a pleasure to announce Annie Leonard as the first confirmed keynote for SXSW Eco 2012. Annie’s vision, creativity and canny ability to spread her message of the impact of over-consumption on global sustainability add up to terrific inspiration for Eco participants looking to move from conversation to action.
We are excited to continue the conversation started last year and to expand opportunities for change. You can get involved now by attending the conference, proposing a session idea or becoming a speaker, or contacting us about sponsoring the event. You can also learn more about SXSW Eco by clicking here. Join us October 3-5th in Austin, Texas for SXSW Eco and discover how to advance solutions for a sustainable world.
See you in October.
Scott Wilcox
Director of SXSW Eco
Photo of the 2012 SXSW Eco Team courtesy of Russ Hull
