Philly’s own sustainability expert blends eco-consciousness with style and design.
Danny Seo has been at the forefront of the sustainability movement for well over a decade.
As the heart and soul of With Naturally, Danny Seo magazine for the past decade, this Philly native and sustainability guru was just anointed Chief Lifestyle Contributor on the Drew Barrynore Show. Here he talks about what living a conscientious life can look like:
What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in the sustainability and lifestyle space over the last decade? A decade ago, these things were barely trending: plant-based foods, vegan leather, plastic-free anything and electric cars. Today, they’re all the norm. What’s really changed is that living a sustainable life has transcended from being purely an altruistic thing into a lifestyle.
You have strong ties to Philadelphia. How has your experience here shaped your views on sustainability and lifestyle choices? I’m born and raised in Pennsylvania and what I love about this area is that we’re surrounded by so much natural beauty all year round. We often get lost in the amplified voices and opinions we see in the palm of our hands via our phones, but it’s so good to re-ground yourself and see what sustainability is really about by literally taking a walk in the woods.
How do you balance aesthetics with sustainability? Yes, I’m an environmentalist, but I also started my career as a decorating editor for a variety of home magazines. So these two worlds have always been of interest to me.The reality is this: buying vintage and antique furnishings is the greenest thing you can do. You’re diverting items from landfills, but the truth is older pieces are better made and have that history, patina and uniqueness that new doesn’t bring to a room.
Photography by: DAVID ENGELHARDT
