Keeping a Post-College Move Sustainable: Tips from a Dwellworks Intern

Every year Dwellworks publishes our ESG Impact Report, meticulously created by our ESG team based on data from every facet of our global operations for the previous 12 months. This team always includes a talented intern earning a degree in a sustainability-related field who helps us with research, analytics, and updating our carbon footprint calculations. The intern selection process considers multiple qualified candidates and is just one way that Dwellworks acts on our Social commitments in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) by giving up-and-coming talent real-life experience as they seek a full-time job after college graduation.

This year, Dwellworks selected Duke University graduate student, Yao Yao, who recently earned her Masters degree in Environmental Management with a Business and Environment focus. Yao stood out amongst our candidates for her extensive experience within the ESG field already – with previous roles as an ESG Investing Intern at Cerberus Capital Management, a Climate Change Project Intern with Greenpeace, and a Pollution Permit Review Team Intern with the Beijing/Miyun Environmental Protection Agency. A native of Beijing, Yao shared her passion for pursuing ESG because of her belief that thoughtful programs designed and implemented by businesses could have significant, positive impact on climate change.

Yao received her Master’s from Duke in May and is currently considering her options for her post-grad career. Wherever she moves, she plans to document her relocation experience and the ESG practices she plans to follow for any other recent graduates looking to do the same. Here are her tips:

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Moving to a new city for your first job is an exciting milestone, but it’s also an opportunity to make environmentally conscious choices. As I plan my move from Durham, NC to a new location, whether on the East Coast or across the country, I’ve already made several sustainable decisions to minimize my environmental impact.

Furniture

One of the first steps in my move was deciding what to do with my furniture. Instead of contributing to landfill waste, I chose to recycle and sell my furniture. Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and local consignment shops are great platforms to sell items you no longer need. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also helps someone else furnish their home affordably. Moving also often means deciding on items you can’t take with you, like canned food. Instead of throwing these away, I donated them to my local food bank. This simple act helps support the community and reduces food waste.

Moving and Finding that “Perfect Place”

Transportation arrangements are a significant part of any move. I’ve opted to rent a compact moving truck. Choosing a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle not only lowers your carbon footprint but also saves on fuel costs.

Once I am in my new location, I will prioritize finding an apartment that is as eco-friendly as possible, based on the local climate and lifestyle options. This includes looking for buildings with energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling, and appliances, as well as EV charging stations for electric vehicles. Additionally, I plan to choose a location with good access to public transit or company-provided commute services. Taking the metro or a bus to work instead of driving not only reduces emissions but also saves money on parking and gas.

Moving sustainably doesn’t have to be difficult. By making thoughtful choices like recycling furniture, donating food, using fuel-efficient transportation options, and finding an eco-friendly apartment, you can reduce your environmental impact and set a positive example for others. Every small step counts towards a more sustainable future!

Read our 2023 ESG Impact Report

We’d like to thank Yao and the entire Dwellworks ESG team for their hard work putting the report together and for their commitment to making this world a move livable, better place. Also, we wish Yao and all 2024 graduates the best in their post-grad careers. To read Dwellworks’ 2023 ESG Impact Report created by Yao and our team, click the button below.