Amanda Epplin named a Carnegie Changemaker

What Does Being a Changemaker Mean to Me?

From the start, maybe it was fate I’d become an environmentalist – after all, I was born on Earth Day. My connection to sustainability runs deep, but I’ll admit, I’m no perfect environmentalist and my journey is a work in progress. As an educator, researcher, writer and content creator for Kimiko Green, my focus is on fueling my passion for sustainability within furniture and becoming a stronger changemaker.

At Kimiko Green, I have the opportunity to bring sustainability-focused education to designers, specifiers, facility managers and Fortune 500 companies. Becoming a changemaker means embracing this responsibility to impact the world around me, particularly within the furniture industry. So, how do we challenge the status quo and carve out more sustainable paths forward? For me, it all comes down to these four key principles: asking better questions, sharing resources and knowledge, encouraging sustainable choices, and seeking innovative solutions.

It all starts with curiosity. Asking probing and thoughtful questions helps us challenge assumptions, dig into the root of the problem, and think more critically about what truly impacts our environment. We all have a responsibility to our planet and to future generations to examine our decisions for environmental impact.

Becoming a changemaker also means sharing resources, data and knowledge. My aim is to equip others with reliable and evidence-based data to select healthier, more sustainable specifications in their workspaces. Sustainability doesn’t happen in isolation – it’s about creating a collective understanding that enables all of us to make smarter, more environmentally friendly choices.

Encouraging people is at the heart of change. It’s about helping others question choices that are made out of convenience and guide them towards thoughtful, sustainable actions. Here, accountability is key, as is building a real awareness of how our furniture selections and decisions impact our environment for years to come. This sense of responsibility is what ultimately leads to long-term change.

Finally, becoming a changemaker means always looking for new ways to do things. Innovation is the current that drives change forward. Whether through new bio-based materials, alternative manufacturing processes, or reimagining furniture all together, it’s essential to push for innovation that redefines what is achievable.

In essence, becoming a changemaker isn’t just about action – it’s about mindset. By fostering curiosity, sharing knowledge, promoting accountability, and embracing new ideas, I hope to create a ripple effect that inspires others to join in this pursuit of creating sustainable and lasting change in our furniture industry.

Amanda Epplin is a sustainability expert and content leader for Kimiko Green, where she helps facility teams and design professionals make smarter, greener furniture decisions. With a background in research, education, and specification, Amanda brings clarity to complex topics, connecting data with action and guiding teams toward practical, lasting environmental solutions.