Alex Milano

In a nutshell, tell us about yourself.

I’ve been with E Co. since 2016. I never imagined I’d be working in this field… I actually wanted to be a public defender! My plan changed when I became an intern (and later project manager) at Project Gaia, an NGO that promotes clean cookstoves and fuels. With Gaia, I first travelled to Ethiopia in 2013 and realised the importance of clean household energy and its potential to address environmental and social challenges. My work at Gaia and E Co. has deepened my passion for social justice and commitment to effecting positive change. 

Who or what do you most admire?

I most admire “the Squad”—the group of progressive freshman  congresswomen (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley and Rashida Tlaib) standing up to discrimination and fighting for social justice. Their continued activism and outspokenness inspires me and gives me hope for the future of my country. 

How do you like to spend your weekends?

At the Columbia Road flower market, accumulating more plants for my in-flat jungle.

What drives you to do this kind of work?

The current political environment and the knowledge that the worst effects of climate change are shouldered by the most vulnerable. 

What makes you laugh?

Just about anything my dog Bruno does. He’s got a lot of personality packed into 10kgs! It doesn’t hurt that he’s a little funny looking too… 

More from Alex Milano

Have you read Alex’s articles on climate justice and participation? Click here.