Sustainability in Action | Q&A with Thais Lopez Vogel from VoLo Foundation

VoLo Foundation is a private family organization that exists to educate the public to create a sustainable and secure planet for future generations. We recently spoke with Thais Lopez Vogel, Co-Founder of VoLo Foundation, about sustainability. In this interview, she shared her favorite environmental documentary, impactful sustainability projects, and how she combines her serious mission with a positive, solutions-oriented approach. It was a thought-provoking conversation that highlights her commitment to making a difference.

What is your role at VoLo Foundation?

At VoLo Foundation, I’m the co-founder and trustee, and I think of my role as both an architect and an investor in solutions. We don’t just fund climate projects; we analyze data to identify what really works, and then we invest in it. We’re not here to fund for the sake of it; our goal is to create impact. We focus on efforts that will mitigate climate impacts before adaptation becomes necessary. It’s similar to building a house: without a solid foundation, no amount of strengthening will make it last.

How do you promote sustainability in your position at VoLo Foundation? 

In my position, I focus on sustainable investments that generate lasting change. Sustainability isn’t only about conserving; it’s about understanding how each choice we make today affects tomorrow’s options. We seek solutions that continue to work and expand over time.

How do you encourage your friends and family to go green?

I talk to my friends and family about the world our children will inherit. From eating less meat to choosing renewable energy, every decision counts. I say to them, “We can’t wait for others to act– it starts with us, with our own choices.”

Which environmental documentary or book has inspired you the most, and what’s a key takeaway?

An Inconvenient Truth had a profound impact on me. Al Gore brought climate change to global attention, highlighting that it’s not a future issue; we’re facing it now. The film taught me that awareness is just the beginning; our actions based on that awareness are what truly matter.

If you had to choose an animal as the mascot for your sustainability efforts, which would it be and why?

If I had to choose an animal to represent my sustainability efforts, it would be the tiger. Powerful yet endangered due to habitat loss and human activity, tigers symbolize the strength and courage needed to tackle climate change. Their survival depends on conservation that addresses both immediate threats and long-term solutions. Protecting tigers highlights the urgent need to preserve biodiversity for a future where both humanity and wildlife can thrive.

What’s one sustainable habit you adopted that surprised you with how easy it was? 

One easy habit I’ve adopted is walking instead of driving when possible. It reduces emissions and helps me connect with my surroundings, reminding me why this work matters. I’ve also been mindful of my food choices by eating more sustainably—favoring local produce, reducing red meat, and avoiding plastic packaging. Each small step shows me that sustainable choices add up quickly.

What’s the most inspiring sustainability project you’ve heard of? 

One inspiring sustainability project is the HECO project, led by WWF in partnership with scientists, private investors, the Colombian government, and VoLo Foundation. It conserves Colombia’s forests while supporting local livelihoods. Our initial donation attracted other funders, creating a sustainable model that uses forest conservation as a climate solution. Through carbon credits from preserved forests, it offsets emissions and funds future efforts. HECO shows how partnerships can effectively combat climate change and protect natural resources worldwide.

What’s a common misconception about sustainability that you’d like to change? 

Many people think sustainability means sacrificing comfort or convenience. But real sustainability doesn’t mean doing less; it means doing things differently. If you plan with intention and make wise choices, you’re not giving anything up—you're gaining a more secure future. Sustainability is about designing a way of life that respects resources while ensuring future generations have the same opportunities we did.

What’s one green change you’d love to see in your community?

I’d love to see more clean energy sources available for everyone. Solar energy, for example, should be accessible, and we should incentivize its adoption. Making clean energy affordable empowers communities and gives families a stake in our planet’s future. I would also like to see more municipalities and elected officials take advantage of the funds available through the Inflation Reduction Act. Florida stands to benefit from several billion dollars in federal funding dedicated to clean energy, energy efficiency, and climate resilience initiatives.

What’s one word that describes your vision for a greener world? 

Mitigation. We can adapt and be resilient, but without real mitigation, we’re just pouring water into a cup with holes and wasting our resources. We must reduce emissions and tackle the root causes of climate change to build a truly sustainable and resilient world.

Do you have any final thoughts or insights about your work that you’d like to share?

My hope is that we can inspire everyone to act now, not later. Every action, big or small, can create change. VoLo Foundation is committed to investing in solutions that matter, and we’ll keep pushing for the world we believe in – one where science leads the way, and everyone has a role in preserving our planet.

Discover more about VoLo Foundation at Volofoundation.org or on Instagram @volofoundation.

If you’d like to be featured in our Sustainability in Action interview series and newsletter, please feel free to reach out to kcarrillo@wedu.org. We’d love to hear from you!