Growing up in the tiny town of Guerneville, California, tucked near the Russian River wine country, Emily Farrant was surrounded by gardens, forests and streams. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong fascination with how people interact with the environment.
“I grew up gardening with my family, and hunting and fishing,” she recalled. “I knew I wanted to somehow give back to the environment.”
That sense of purpose carried her to the Big Island of Hawaii, where she studied agroecology and sustainability while also playing Division 2 soccer. “I chose Hawaii for the location and for football,” she said, noting she still coaches the game today.
Her studies also took her to Ghana, where she spent a semester at the University of Ghana in Accra before returning for several years after graduation. “I wanted to work in developing countries,” she explained. “It gave me a global perspective on sustainability, and it’s also where I met my husband.”
Back in the United States, Farrant joined GreenEye Partners in 2014, where she now serves as director of operations. She also contributes to the development of SERI’s ESG standard. Away from work, she and her husband are raising two young children in a football-loving household. “I’ve got a six-year-old boy and a seven-year-old girl — whether they want to be or not, they’re Liverpool fans,” she laughed.
Emily Farrant will take the stage at this year’s E-Scrap Conference during the Global Accountability: E-Waste and Plastic Trade Today session. But before then, we take the opportunity to get to know her a little bit better.
What’s your default karaoke song?
The last time I did karaoke was in Newcastle, and I honestly don’t remember what I sang. I grew up with country music, so if I had to pick it would probably be a country song. I don’t know which one exactly, but that would feel most natural to me. I don’t really see myself rushing up to the mic these days, though.
What song or band makes you crank up the volume in the car?
Lately my daughter has been dictating our playlists, which has actually been fun. We’re big Shaboozey fans — he’s technically country but he brings this Nigerian flair, so the sound feels both familiar and new. We also listen to a lot of West African music, especially Ghanaian and Nigerian artists, which connects back to the years I spent in Ghana. It keeps our drives lively.
What’s your guilty-pleasure TV show?
Bridgerton. I love the costumes, the drama, the whole thing. It’s my easy escape.
When did you last use public transportation, and where did you go?
We were just in England and Sweden. Honestly, public transport in England is not great right now, but the Swedes have it totally figured out. We used buses and trains the entire time in Sweden and it was seamless. It reminded me how good it feels when cities actually invest in that kind of infrastructure.
With whom would you most hate to be stuck in an elevator?
Any politician right now. The idea of being trapped in a small space while someone spins their talking points sounds awful. And honestly, I wouldn’t want to be stuck alone either, that would terrify me. I’d need someone to talk to until help came.
Which piece of business advice do you think is overrated?
I’ve always felt like if you’ve got a bad product, no amount of marketing will make it sustainable. You can throw money at campaigns, but it won’t last. The best advice I’ve had instead is about relationships. This industry is so connected, inside and outside, and it all comes down to how you treat people. That’s been the most important thing for me.
What’s your most irrational superstition or habit?
I still play indoor football, and I can’t shake this one superstition. If someone tells me ‘don’t get hurt’ or even wishes me good luck before a match, I’m convinced something bad is going to happen. It gets in my head immediately, and I’m waiting for an injury. It’s completely irrational, but I believe it every time.
Aliens land and ask you to explain capitalism in one sentence — what do you say?
Greed. That’s really what it comes down to.
If you weren’t in the recycling industry, what different job would you secretly love to do?
Labor and delivery – delivering babies. I’ve always been fascinated by it, and I think being part of that moment in people’s lives would be incredible. Football was another path I could have taken, but delivering babies has always been in the back of my mind.
Who was your childhood hero?
Brandi Chastain. She was such an inspiration as a professional soccer player, especially for girls of my generation who wanted to play seriously.
What ringtone is on your mobile right now?
Just the basic one it comes with. I’ve never bothered to change it.
What’s the most recent book you gave up on and why?
I’ve been on a roll with really good books lately, but I started one about a South African township – I think it was called The Lion’s Keeper – and I just couldn’t get into it. The story didn’t grab me, so I set it aside. Life’s too short to push through a book you’re not enjoying.
When did you last do something for the very first time?
Pickleball. I tried it recently and quickly realized I don’t really have hand-eye coordination. I can manage football fine, but pickleball was humbling.
What’s pinned to your fridge door?
Children’s photos and artwork, definitely. And then there are these random magnets that my recyclers have given me, mostly as jokes. I’ve kept them all and they’ve become part of the mix.
What’s the strangest thing on your desk right now?
I’m actually sitting at my husband’s desk at the moment, and he’s got one of those little golf putting greens. He plays golf, so it’s always just sitting there waiting for him to practice a few putts.
