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Interview with CHE Partner, Michael Green, MS, MPP

Steve Heilig: Tell us your own background and how you came to do the work you do.

I acquired my environmental ethic at summer camp in northern Wisconsin, where I spent twelve summers as a camper and counselor. I have a BS in Natural Resources from the University of California at Berkeley, an MS in Natural Resources from the University of Michigan and an MPP in Public Policy from the University of Michigan. I designed a solid waste management plan for the Tibetan refugee community in Dharamsala, India, cared for the sick in Calcutta at a mission of Mother Teresa, and have other international experience.

I spent three years in the “belly of the beast” working at the United States Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management. My job was to involve the public (under President Clinton) in decisions about the cleanup of nuclear and hazardous waste. I also spent a summer at the Environmental Protection Agency under the first President Bush at what is now the Office of Environmental Justice (at that time it was the Environmental Equity Working Group). Government work didn’t suit my personality: it is hard to be creative or entrepreneurial, so I started the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) on my credit card nine years ago.

I do this work because it fulfills me.

Please describe the primary mission and work of your organization.

"The Center for Environmental Health protects the public from environmental and consumer health hazards. We are committed to environmental justice, reducing the use of toxic chemicals, supporting communities in their quest for a safer environment and corporate accountability."

What is/are the most striking recent development related to your work, both scientifically and otherwise?

The computer sector is really changing its management of the materials in computers at the end of their life. It’s a combination of good allies at large computer purchasers, strategic activists, and good policy work.
 

Can you tell us the most salient lessons you've learned in pursuing your goals?

Be as kind and compassionate as possible: and don’t be attached to it if people don’t always see it or appreciate it (or if you make mistakes). Don’t follow the foundation money. Value integrity and respectfulness over expertise and knowledge.


What do you see as the biggest need/unrealized goal in environmental health at this time, and the biggest obstacle to attaining that goal?

Our lack of connection to other movements; Overcoming the “silo” mentality.


Any comments on how CHE has been useful to you - and how we might do more/better?

What’s useful: I am inspired by the vision. What we can do better: Diversify (not only ethnically, but get a broader diversity of organizations active). That’s easier said than done!

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Posted: 6 March 2006