About us
ways we serve
At One Shade Greener, our commitment to environmental conservation and community engagement drives our diverse range of initiatives. We strive to make a meaningful impact through various ways we serve:
Community Clean-up Initiatives: We organize regular clean-up events, where community members come together to restore the natural beauty of parks, historical sites, and public spaces. By actively participating in these clean-ups, we collectively combat litter and pollution, beautify parks and public spaces, and foster a deeper connection with nature and our environment.
Sustainability Challenges: Our sustainability challenges are designed to inspire individuals to embrace greener living. Each challenge offers practical and achievable actions that collectively make a significant impact on the environment. Each challenge includes a description of the impact completing the challenge will have on animals and ecosystems around the world.
Vegetable Gardens in Elementary Schools: Witnessing the detrimental impact of food deserts in our local zip codes, we are driven by a passionate commitment to empower future generations with the value of self-sufficiency and responsible food practices. have established and nurtured vegetable gardens at local elementary schools affected by the food crisis. We aim to teach essential gardening skills, and showcase the profound positive effects sustainable agriculture and mindful food consumption.
Community Engagement: Our organization actively partners with local communities, schools, businesses, and like-minded individuals who share our passion for environmental conservation. We currently have 6 different chapters (Austin, Fort Worth, Nacogdoches, Lubbock, Waco and Brentwood, TN) where we are able to spread our influence and positive impact in many locations.
Our Goal
At One Shade Greener, our dedication lies in taking tangible action towards fostering a cleaner environment. Through community-driven clean-up initiatives, educational programs, and impactful projects, we aim to create a positive and lasting impact not only on our environment but also on the well-being of our communities.
***Note: OneShadeGreener is a non-partisan and non-political environmental organization.
President and co-founder
Mark Sayegh
Joining OneShadeGreener has been a transformative journey fueled by a genuine passion for community service and the desire to inspire others to help serve their community. Witnessing the positive impact of our clean-up groups, as once-dirty parks and lakes transform into beautiful spaces, fills me with immense fulfillment and gratitude for the opportunity to contribute.
My involvement with OneShadeGreener began in 2020 at Westlake High School, and today, as a sophomore pre-med student at Texas Christian University, I remain deeply committed to a hands-on approach in serving my community. I founded both the clean-up aspect and community garden aspect of our organization due to my belief in directly interacting with and making a tangible difference in the lives of our community members.
Our clean-up efforts have become a source of inspiration for others to join and actively engage in community service. Establishing a new chapter at TCU has been rewarding as we are fortunate to have over 50 enthusiastic members joining our cause. Our focus now extends to the Fort Worth community, where are building vegetable gardens at elementary schools, educating students about food sustainability, particularly in underserved populations.
In the past year, I have been able to expand OneShadeGreener to 6 different chapters across the state. I am truly grateful for the unwavering support of all our volunteers and members as we strive to create a lasting positive impact!
C0-Founder
Eddie Scott
My interest in the environment is rooted in experiences from my childhood and has blossomed into a life passion for protecting the planet. My generation is the first to have childhood dominated by technology. Many of my classmates spent their free time playing video games or parked in front of a TV. I searched for friends who wanted to explore the outdoors. We climbed trees, swam in the river, and built forts in the woods. As I grew, so did my passion for the environment and knowledge of the threats it faces. I learned that change is needed to protect the environment and continue our way of life. My desire to make a difference and inspire others to do so as well motivated me to create One Shade Greener.
Director of Brand partnerships & sustainability initiatives
Andrew kearney
Giving back is something that fuels my fire. As an avid backpacker, mountain climber, runner, and someone who loves the outdoors, I feel that it is part of my mission to help keep the world One Shade Greener. I am pursuing a BA in Advertising and Branding from Savannah College of Art and Design Atlanta (SCAD Atlanta). I am also an author, public speaker, photographer, semi-professional bowler, and chef.
I am originally from Austin, TX, and when not capturing moments with my camera, or working with amazing brands, I enjoy scuba diving, white water rafting, traveling, and just about anything adventurous.
My first clean-up effort with One Shade Greener began when I was taking photos at the beloved Austin 360 overlook. After finding an astonishing amount of trash I decided something needed to be done and organized a clean-up with Mark Sayegh. After cleaning up over 1,300 lbs of trash in less than 24 hours, I decided this was something I needed to be more involved in. I am now proud to be the Director of Brand Partnerships and Sustainability Initiatives for One Shade Greener. In this role, I will be working to connect us with brands that align with our trash cleanup and sustainability initiatives to lead cleanups and preventative actions that will ultimately make the world One Shade Greener!
Where we are
Austin(TX), Fort Worth(TX), Lubbock (TX), Nacogdoches (TX), Waco (TX), and Brentwood(TN)
Starting in Austin, Texas in 2020, Mark and Eddie witnessed firsthand the joy and gratitude of residents as the natural beauty of these parks was lovingly restored.
In 2022, Mark started attending Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, TX and was inspired continue his community service and extend OneShadeGreener’s impact. He partnered with several organizations and spearheaded park clean-ups in Fort Worth. Soon after, OneShadeGreener gained official recognition as a student organization on campus, attracting over 30 active members within just two months.
Building on this momentum, the year 2023 marked another significant expansion for OneShadeGreener. 5 new chapters were proudly established across Texas and Tennessee further uniting communities across the states and expanding our impact to serve more areas.
We plan on continuing our expansion to more schools and states in the coming years!