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.
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. We 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 healthy eating and mindful food consumption.
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.
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 toward fostering a cleaner, healthier environment. Through community-driven clean-up initiatives, educational programs, and impactful projects like school gardens and nutrition workshops, we aim to create a positive and lasting impact not only on our environment but also on the long-term health and well-being of the communities we serve.
***Note: OneShadeGreener is a non-partisan and non-political environmental organization.
President and co-founder
Mark Sayegh
My journey with One Shade Greener began in 2020 at Westlake High School and has grown into one of the most meaningful parts of my life. As a junior pre-med student at Texas Christian University, I remain deeply committed to hands-on service and community-driven change.
What started as a simple idea, hosting local clean-ups, quickly became something much bigger. I helped launch the clean-up and garden arms of One Shade Greener because I believe real impact comes from showing up, getting your hands dirty, and listening to what communities truly need.
Since founding the TCU chapter, we’ve welcomed over 200 student members, built vegetable gardens at local elementary schools, and hosted monthly Garden Clubs that teach students in underserved areas about healthy eating and sustainability. We give children the tools to grow food at home, share meals with their families, and take pride in their health from a young age.
This work has become more than a project, it’s my passion. For the past five years, I’ve poured my heart into building something rooted in compassion, equity, and action. I plan to carry this mission with me wherever I go, continuing to grow One Shade Greener long after college and throughout my career in medicine. I’m endlessly grateful for every volunteer, school, and family who’s joined us.
At the core of my philosophy is the belief that service should be local, collaborative, and accessible. I strive to connect my peers to the communities around them by making it easy and meaningful to get involved. That’s why I’ve expanded One Shade Greener to six chapters across Texas and Tennessee, partnered with student governments, and spoken at city-wide summits on youth engagement and sustainability. My goal is not only to serve, but to spark a culture of service wherever I go.
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.
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!