By Scott Whittemore 3/4/2019

Bryan Hutchinson joined The Energy Co-op in November of 2016 part-time but has been an active Energy Co-op member for over seventeen years now. Bryan only comes into the office a few times a week, but he never fails to liven up the office when he’s here.

Can you explain your role at The Energy Co-op?

My role at The Energy Co-op is to provide accounting, bookkeeping and administrative services, and to advise our Executive Director on our financial status.

 What’s the best part of working here?

Working with a dedicated team on a mission that I am firmly aligned with.

Any standout moments at The Energy Co-op?

It’s been fun to work with younger people. It’s good to see what inspires the younger generation and to work with them on achieving a common goal. Plus, the people at the Co-op are fun to work with. It’s definitely the most interactive and engaging environment I’ve ever worked in.

What does sustainability mean to you?

Sustainability to me means taking actions today to benefit future generations. Saving for the future, so to speak.

What do cooperative business models mean to you?

It means that the organization is engaging with others in a more cohesive manner. There’s something outside of the strict for-profit or non-profit mentality: it goes beyond just seeing the bottom line monetarily.

What do you do in your personal life to live sustainably?

Well, I’m a member of the Co-op, first and foremost. My wife and I do a lot of things at home to make it energy efficient. I drive a hybrid car, I compost, I recycle, mow my lawn with a rechargeable electric lawn mower, and I encourage all my friends and relatives to join The Energy Co-op!

I like to take things apart and take metal to scrap yards so that it doesn’t end up in a landfill. It’s fun to break down appliances and recycle them, if you have the time and are somewhat retired. I’m also a big user of Freecycle.org, a nonprofit that helps connect people who have something to offer with someone who might use it. You meet a lot of interesting people on it, too, which can be a fun bonus to getting rid of an old microwave.

Anything coming up your excited for?

I’m looking forward to spring so that I can start biking and gardening again.

Anything you’d like to add?

I’m always willing to talk about The Energy Co-op and sustainability! It’d be great to have people send in questions or comments to spark some discussion!