Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Inna Costantini - Press Co-ordinator, Trees for Cities


How old are you?
26

What’s your occupation and who do you work for?
I’m the press co-ordinator for the environmental charity, Trees for Cities. They’re all about making cities greener and lovelier (by planting more trees!) and my work involves helping to promote (and sometimes organise) events, campaigns and new initiatives.

How long have been doing this?
Since 2005

What is it about your job that makes it ethical?
Promoting urban greening, educating the public on green issues and trying to improve the environment can only be ethical, right?

What’s the best bit about your job?
I’m passionate about the environment and it’s great to work with like-minded people on a variety of fun and exciting projects.

What’s the worst thing?
Can’t think of one.

What have the last 12 months been like for you?
Overall very busy but incredibly stimulating.

What were you doing before this?
I was working in PR at a fashion/design company.

What was your very first full-time job?
That was it! (as above)

What advice would you give to someone wishing to embark on the same sort of work as you?
You need to be passionate about your area (no point trying to promote a campaign you don’t believe in) and ready to get stuck into a wide range of projects. Knowledge, creativity and hard work are a must.

Have you got any plans for the next 12 months you’d like to share with us?
I’ll be working on lots more exciting projects involving some high profile people, and I’ve got both (chilly) planting days and sunny outdoor events to look forward to. I’ll be running the ‘Tree-Athlon’ again in 2008 and hoping to be even faster next year round!

What do you do to relax?
Cycling around London, lots of yoga, taking pictures and videos, writing.

Who do you live with?
My partner – and quite a few green plants!

Whereabouts do you live?
Old Street/Barbican – right in the middle of the city.

If you were Prime Minister, what’s the very first thing you would do?
Make the environment a priority and put pressure on other countries to do the same.

As cheap and easily available oil is expect to run out in the next couple of decades, what do you think will be the predominant form of transport in 2027?
Cars will still be predominant but will also become increasingly ‘green’, using alternative fuels or ways of generating power.

Have you got any guilty carbon secrets?
I’ve flown a bit too much this year (all long haul and all for good reasons!)

What have you done that you were most proud of?
I’ve been cycling non-stop since 2004 – through snow and heat waves!

What single issue are you most concerned about in the world at large?
It would have to be the environment – it affects so many aspects of our lives, from health and well being to politics and economy.

Which person in the public eye do you most admire and why?
The Dalai Lama, for his strength, compassion and positive outlook on everything

What’s your website address?
www.treesforcities.org

What are your three favourite other websites of the moment?
Treehugger.com, meandmybicycle.co.uk, guardian.co.uk/environment

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