Parenting OC

April 2017

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www.ParentingOC.com 30 Parenting OC Magazine | April 2017 OC Eco-Heroes From recycling to redefining green-clean, protecting the environment is more than a passion for these eco-heroes. By Linda Vujnov Bo Glover Forefront on Bo's mind as he jumped into his VW Bug and headed west to California was making sure the car would survive the nearly 3,000-mile trek from Pennsylvania to Newport Beach without breaking down. After several days' journey, Bo was breath- ing in the beach air and charting a course for his new adventure. Instead of spending his days sipping sodas, toes in the sand, he immediately settled into his new community by seeking out ways to volunteer his time. Bo made a connection with nature at an early age by climbing trees, building forts, and "digging holes to China", so he was under- standably drawn to the offerings of the Environmental Nature Center (ENC) in Newport Beach. He cut his volunteering teeth on build- ing trails, restoring habitat, and leading groups of people on tours around the facility. That first experience led Bo to a 20-year career as the Executive Director of the ENC, a position which he still holds today. "Nature can bring families and people together," said Bo. Instilling that idea into the culture of the ENC has been significant. Bo's affection for nature swept through the community as he advocated for the environment and raised money in hopes of expanding the ENC. This drive and passion resulted in the pur- chase of not one, but two properties adjacent to the ENC. In addi- tion, Bo developed Orange County's first Native Butterfly House along with an 8,500 square-foot Learning Center building. This eco-firebrand is even planning a nature-based preschool, so that little ones can learn in a stimulating academic environment. "As a parent and director of the nature center, I've come to realize that sharing nature is more important today than ever." When Bo isn't devising new plans to expand the ENC, he is happily visiting National Parks and wide open spaces with his family in order to create memory-making experiences. Being a dad has given Bo an even deeper desire to spread love and respect for the natural world, so that future generations can experience its grandeur. Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks For planet-saving wife, mom, and president of family-owned Earth Friendly Products, helping the environment is paramount. Kelly's passion for saving the earth and protecting families began when her father emigrated from Greece in 1953. After receiving a degree in chemistry, Van began creating earth-friendly products in his garage as a "devoted protector of the environment." Now in their 50th year, Earth Friendly Products, ECOS, is one of the last family-owned businesses in the green cleaning product market. As a UCLA graduate, and after obtaining her masters from Chapman University, Kelly began her career at ECOS in public relations and marketing. in 2014, she took over as CEO and presi- dent after her father passed away unexpectedly. Her father's deep conviction and steadfast vision for creating cleaning products that are safe for people, pets, and the planet, have been a driving force in the success of ECOS. It is something Kelly doesn't take for granted. Kelly has worked from the ground up to expand the company to include over 200 products, which are sold in 62 countries. ECOS is dedicated to creating the greenest products in the greenest way

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