blogger interview

Blogger Interview

Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff engages stakeholders on solutions for people, planet, and profit. A former journalist, Rachel published in the LA Times, appeared on the TODAY Show, and gave her second TEDx talk in 2019. She and I really bonded over the shared passions  re: how small actions can have a profound, positive impact. You've got to check out her Tedx talk on Can One Straw Change The World?  I'm glad to say that we were inspired to switch over to stainless steel straws (dishwasher safe) well over a decade ago... and even take them travelling so that we avoid plastic ones at fast food or corner store outlets. Rachel is so inspiring to me - her life is filled with impressive activism for creating positive change. For instance, did you know that she directed the nonprofits Healthy Child Healthy World and the 5 Gyres Institute and has blogged as Mommy Greenest since 2008? Impressive - right? So, today Rachel is here to share some of the behind-the-scenes activities involved in managing a popular blog. She invites our readers to visit her @:  www.lincolnsarnoff.com & www.mommygreenest.com

Q: When did you get the idea to launch your own blog?

I was working as a publicist and nine months pregnant when I waddled into the offices of Healthy Child Healthy World to meet with Christopher Gavigan, their executive director, about working with the organization on an event. I had two children at that point, and had been careful to feed them organic vegetables and use nontoxic bath products and I thought I knew everything about natural parenting. But that conversation with Christopher changed my life. I learned about VOCs in paint and flame retardants in mattresses. That’s when I decided to apply my skills as a journalist to sharing information about how to live a healthier life — with less judgement. That was the beginning of Mommy Greenest.


Q: How did you start your blog?

Initially, I co-founded the website Green Girl Guide, which was focused on fashion and beauty. I wrote the content, Courtney Zielinski of Hughes Design Communications designed the site, and Mia Wasilevich, who went on to co-found Transitional Gastronomy, wrote the blog. This was in 2007, I think — I remember asking, “What’s a blog?” Then, National Geographic wanted to sue us because they had purchased a brand called Green Guide and they thought we threatened their copyright. We had no money to fight them, so we decided to shut down. I took the content that I had written and Courtney and I turned it into EcoStiletto. I came up with the idea and the tagline, which was to “shrink your carbon footprint from an Ugg boot to a Manolo,” a concept that I still love! At that point, I began blogging as Mommy Greenest and eventually shut down EcoStiletto.


Q: Why does this blog matter to you?

You can’t unlearn this stuff. When you discover the connection between fracking and plastic and climate change, a plastic water bottle becomes a whole other thing. Mommy Greenest is about helping people make that connection and then encouraging them to do something about it. I really believe that together, we can make a difference.

* Photo credits: David Trujillo (TEDx)

Q: What is your favorite task involved with your blog?

A: I love connecting with readers — through the newsletter and on social media. When someone comes to me with a problem and I am able to share information that helps them solve it — that connection is so incredible. When I started Mommy Greenest, my kids were small — now my youngest is 15! So I now have all this knowledge of the different stages of parenting that can be helpful to those with younger kids. And I learn from them, too! It’s amazing to meet all the new parents who are so incredibly informed about natural parenting already — it’s a very different universe from when I was starting out!


Q: Did you have someone help you design the blog?

A: Yes! The original branding and design were created by my dear friend Courtney Zielinski at Hughes Design Communications (hughesdesign.com) in Chicago. Recently, I updated the theme with Warren Samu (warrensamu.com) in San Diego.


Q: What do you do to promote your blog?

A: I’m very active on social media, but to be honest, I don’t always do the best job of promoting Mommy Greenest. I send a monthly newsletter to my subscribers, and share on social when I post on the blog, but I could be doing more!


Q: What encouraging advice or problem solving advice could you offer to other bloggers?

A: I know there are a lot of stories of people who are able to support themselves by blogging, but that has never been my experience — and I’ve known a lot of bloggers over the years! I think blogging is a great way to share what you are passionate about and can absolutely help market your passions as well — for example, I’m currently working on my first novel and I recently asked Mommy Greenest readers if they would want to read it and an overwhelming number of them said yes. So this means I have an amazing group of readers to tap when the time comes, who might also help promote the book — if they like it. Now I really have to finish it!

* Photo credits: Marilyn Brodwick 

Q: What do you look for when it comes to guest queries or networking opportunities? 

A: I’m always surprised by how many queries I receive from brands who have clearly not read Mommy Greenest. At this point, I don’t respond — if you are pitching a single-use plastic product to me, that’s on you. However, I love working with other bloggers — especially those who aren’t in the natural parenting space. There’s always more that we can learn from one another.

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