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In 2001, Dave Chameides lived like most people. He drove to the store, recycled when possible, avoided littering, and tried to be a decent person. As a two-time Emmy-winning cameraman and DGA director (ER, Third Watch, Studio 60), he enjoyed a comfortable life with a wonderful wife, a nice home, three cars, and few worries.
Then everything shifted.
Upon discovering he was going to be a father, Chameides experienced a profound awakening. He realized there was more to life, someone who would outlive him, and understood he needed to change his habits.
He turned off the lights, sold the cars, bought a Prius, and installed solar panels. Though a good start, it wasn’t enough. Chameides kept learning and discovered the situation was graver than he imagined—but he could make a difference.
He swapped the Prius for a vegetable-powered car, replaced bulbs with compact fluorescents, and cut back on plastic bags. Yet, more action was needed.
Frustrated, Chameides began speaking to schools, churches, and businesses about personal environmental responsibility. Believing he had valuable insights, he shared them widely. His seminar, Chasing Sustainability, has reached audiences from 10 to 2,000 people, earning enthusiastic responses from students and educators alike.
Then came the trash challenge.
On January 1, 2008, nicknamed Sustainable Dave by friends and media, Chameides vowed not to take out any trash or recycling for a full year. Instead, he stored all his waste in his basement to see the impact. Additionally, having never blogged or created a website before, he launched 365 Days of Trash to document and share his experience.
Soon, radio stations contacted him (check out his theme song), followed by TV, internet, and print media. By year’s end, Sustainable Dave’s story reached as far as Russia and South Africa, drawing a quarter of a million visitors to his site. He was featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, CNN, and Good Morning America, among others. Disney even turned him into an environmental animated character on the kids' show Handy Manny.
What happened to the 28.5 pounds of trash he generated in 2008? It became a permanent exhibit at The Museum of Trash in Hartford, CT, inspiring others to change their habits.
Today, Chameides continues to speak nationwide, encouraging people to reduce their environmental footprint without extreme lifestyle changes. His engaging, humorous talks motivate students to organize, start eco-clubs, and consider environmental careers. He writes a weekly column for Care2, sharing his motto: "No one can do everything, but everyone can do something," a message heard by millions.
While still active in the film industry, he hopes to expand his seminar’s reach by traveling the country, inspiring students wherever he goes.
