Colin Beavan

In the keynotes by Colin Beavan, he discusses progressive initiatives that people should take in attaining environmentally sustainable living. The root for Beavan’s progressive stance on sustainability can be traced back to 2006, when he began a year-long experiment where he attempted to drastically limit his negative impact on the environment. Beavan’s stance on sustainability focuses on a non-impact lifestyle, which means satisfying one’s need is also in accordance with new-age environmentalism, Beavan encourages individual to try to live an ‘eco-effective’ lifestyle.

This experience propelled Beavan to become one of the most influential people in environmentalism. His blog noimpactman.com was named as one of the Top 15 environmental blogs in Time Magazine. He also authored several books about sustainability and environmentalism; most notable was No Impact Man: The Adventures of a Guilty Liberal Who Attempts to Save the Planet

Beavan received his PhD in electrical engineering at University of Liverpool. He then became a consultant to philanthropic organizations. He’s also an advisor to NYU’s Sustainability Task Force and as one of the directors for New York City's Transportation Alternatives.