Matt, thanks for stopping by. First off, what is your occupation? Where do you work?
I am the CEO of ReforestTheWeb. I am also a Web Designer and SEO Expert.
Tell us a little bit about you and your background:
I am a keen environmentalist, and serial entrepreneur. My business journey started at the age of 13 when I worked first delivering papers for a local news agents, and then sorting the papers for the other paperboys and girls. I soon realized I could make a lot more money and started my own local business, I created some basic flyers on Microsoft publisher and distributed them in my area alongside knocking on doors. That was how my first business was born, a gardening and general services company, that carried me through high school and gave me some real pocket money.
Between then and now there have been a few other ventures including an events business. I also spent around 10 years working in Sales and Customer service roles that helps me a lot with my people skills. It takes a lot to actually sell yourself and what you do.
From the age of around 16 I built all of my own websites and did my own SEO so doing it for other companies and individuals was the next logical step.
One other major feature in my life has been my keen interest in the environment and conservation. I promised from a young age, I’d never drive until I could afford an electric or hydrogen powered car, and I have lived up to that promise and to this day, I still stand by it, although now It is more about the fact I am happy with public transport.
In college I studied Animal care with a focus on conservation which I gained top marks in and I have lived my life trying to be at one with nature rather than against it.
I suppose what has got me to this point is that I truly believe that business can be used as a form of good, and I am truly inspired by people who are taking on big business with grass routes and small businesses, with solutions that do good in the world.
My aims are very similar, I have seen a solution to offset the Internets carbon footprint, by using the power of the net. Offering Web Design and SEO services, that people already want, and putting profits in to tree planting initiatives.
What is a fun fact about you?
That’s a hard one, I suppose it might be that in my spare time I am a Morris Dancer, which is a Traditional English folk dance.
What was your motivation to get into this industry?
My motivation was and still is to leave a legacy and to leave a better world than we have today to my future children and for my nephews and nieces. We owe it to future generations to sort the mess we are in out.
Why do you think climate change/sustainability is such an important topic today?
Climate change and sustainability are such an important topic because if we do not take it seriously, we are at a high risk of mass extinction, increased poverty, increased food scarcity and a planet that is barely habitable for future generations.
What do you envision your industry looking like 10 years from now?
I imagine it will be much more enviro-conscious and we aim to lead the charge.
What can the average person do to make a difference?
The little things, if we all choose the less harmful option when shopping, if we all choose to plant a few trees each month, if we all choose to pick up litter as we walk, if we all choose to eat less meat/dairy and if we all choose to support the transition to a cleaner, greener future we have a fighting chance of combating climate change. No longer can people sit on the fence.
What positive changes are you seeing?
In recent years we have seen a reduction in single use plastic use, we have seen a significant reduction in meat consumption and a lot more companies making and acting on their green promises.
Where can we learn more about you and support your vision?
@ReforestTheWeb on all platforms.
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Dylan Welch is the CEO and Host of Going Green, a podcast, website, and social media brand that highlights renewable energy, cleantech, and sustainable news.