TreePeople Spotlight: Kenny Derieg, Waste Reduction & Recycling Specialist

Hi Treeps,

It’s Waste Week here at TreePeople, so we’d like to introduce you to our expert on all things waste: Kenny Derieg, our Waste Reduction & Recycling Specialist.

Born and raised in Santa Monica, Kenny Derieg spends much of his time outdoors playing sports, hanging out at the beach, and hiking in the local mountains. Kenny earned a B.A. in Sociology from UCLA, and a Master’s Degree in Urban Sustainability from Antioch University.

What is your favorite tree? Why?

Weeping Willows because they are beautiful, you can usually climb them, they’re mystical, and they flow so elegantly in the wind :)

Where are you from originally? What makes it special?

Santa Monica, which is special because of its location and access to the mountains and the beach.

What inspired you to join TreePeople?

I was inspired to join TreePeople because of their dedication to environmental stewardship and the awesome people that work there.

What’s your favorite TreePeople memory?

My favorite TreePeople memory is when my wife and I planted our first two trees, which happened to be at a park near our home. We are constantly reminded of that great memory when we visit the park and check in on those trees, or as we say hello to them as we drive past. Plus, the trees are growing beautifully!

What’s your favorite local outdoor space?

The Safe Place for Youth Garden in Venice. It is a beautiful, productive growing space that has no fences, which is rare. It’s on a busy street, but you feel completely removed from the city when you’re lost in the beauty of the garden.

If you could have dinner with any person (living or dead) who would it be and why?

Magic Johnson — he’s my all-time favorite basketball player, has a brilliant entrepreneurial mind, and seems like a funny, smart, and humble guy that I would be honored to share a meal with.

What’s your favorite environmental book? Why?

American Earth — Environmental Writing Since Thoreau by Bill McKibben. It’s a collection of many great pieces of environmental writing over the past two centuries.

What’s your most-played song?

Red Hot Chili Peppers — Under the Bridge

What’s your favorite home-cooked meal?

Chicken tenders and mashed potatoes

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I’ve been to Graceland (Elvis’s mansion/museum) 4 times and my grandfather was basically Elvis’s doppelganger.

Los Angeles-based TreePeople is the region’s largest environmental movement, whose mission is to inspire, engage and support people to take personal responsibility for the urban environment. Visit us at treepeople.org and learn how you can join our cause.