My first trek through the Khumbu region of Nepal was as a young man and it was amazing! I was determined to make it to the highest mountain in the world. The logistics of how I would solo trek to Everest Base Camp were challenging, but I knew I would reach my goal. I studied a little Nepali, found a good map, borrowed some high elevation gear in Kathmandu, and headed off. My plan was to eat with the locals and avoid the comforts given to Western groups who hired guides and porters to carry their stuff. I’d sleep by the fires and under the stars, eat dal bhat (rice with lentil soup), and follow the trails. There is only going up or down in the Himalaya, not much in between. I followed my own voice, trusting I would find the way. That was in 1985.

I got lost often, got sick with dysentery, and was stranded for days by the weather. I also enjoyed the ancient Mani Rimdu festival at the Tengboche Monastery after a fall full moon. I saw first hand deforestation on a massive scale, and the early efforts of the Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation’s seedling plantations to regenerate alpine juniper in the High Himalaya. I met unique souls and travelers from all over the world. I learned how the Sherpa people, who had little in the way of material possessions, were so rich in kindness. And I made it above Everest Base Camp to a spectacular scene, but that’s a story for another day.

That young man knew, with a mixture of bravado and naivety, that  he would make it. What he really learned up there was the importance of the journey.

Flash forward to a career working with students, including 15-plus years as school counselor in public education. I was ready for a career change, but struggled to find the direction I knew was right for me. How could I take the best of what I saw in schools: Hands-on learning, student as teacher, and school to career, and combine it with a passion for the environment and sustainability? The answer finally came as EcoApprentice.

It has been one wild journey to get this far, and if creating a business is akin to a trekking expedition; we have finally assembled all our gear at base camp after a handful of detours. I have enjoyed working with some very talented folks and advisers that share in the mission. The summit is shrouded in clouds, but we are launching– passionate and determined. It’s about the journey,still, but this is a business after all and I’m a parent; the stakes are higher for my children and generations to follow on this fragile planet. How can less equal more and still be good for business and the environment?

Welcome to EcoApprentice!

Our vision is a dynamic meeting place. A corner of cyberspace where eco-friendly ideas are shared among college students, business owners, soccer moms (and dads), corporate managers, professors, retired professionals, and nonprofit organizations. Our proposition to the business community is the opportunity to collaborate with people from all walks of life to make your product or service better; better for both profit and the planet. Our brand will invite customers to your door through engaging with them on solutions they care about! To students, we offer the opportunity to make connections that stand out as unique and might change your future.

We invite you to become a member of EcoApprentice. The paint is still wet on the OPEN sign; consider EcoApprentice 1.0 a working prototype. If something rocks (or sucks), we would be grateful for some feedback.  Constructive suggestions are always well received!  Do you have an EcoChallenge at home or in the workplace? Somebody out there has a great idea for an answer! It’s also cool to just sit back and see what happens, no pressure to post.

Thanks for making it this far. If you’re up to it, grab some climbing rope and a stainless steel water bottle. We would love to hear about your ideas and challenges along the way.

Learn more and join us,

Richard Halpern~Founder
EcoApprentice