Meet Aspen!

As we head into a new week, we are highlighting another amazing member of our USEFULL team – our Graphic Design and Social Media Marketing intern, Aspen Snyder! 

Aspen first remembers learning about sustainability in elementary and middle school. “I don’t remember a particular moment when I became interested in sustainability, but I do remember being worried about the polar bears,” she says. Now, as a Communications and Media student at the University of Michigan, Aspen has integrated sustainability into her life in several ways: she mitigates her use of plastic by using her USEFULL cup and other reusable items, like reusable produce bags.

Beyond personal lifestyle changes, though, Aspen believes that advocacy is a major aspect of sustainability. “I think one of the biggest things you can do as a college student is advocating for sustainable changes on campus,” she says. “Some big changes schools can make include implementing reusables systems, composting, and adding better labeling.”

Aspen first started working at USEFULL in Summer 2022, learning about USEFULL from her mom MJ (USEFULL’s Head of Operations). “I was really interested in USEFULL’s marketing niche,” Aspen says. “On our social media, we market towards someone who isn’t making the purchasing decision but instead could advocate for our system on their campus.” As an intern, Aspen makes our wonderful infographics, designs, and social media posts. 

Over the past year, Aspen has loved working as a part of a team of women she admires. She also has loved seeing how USEFULL’s waste, water, and emissions impact has grown substantially. 

We finished off the interview by asking Aspen a few fun questions!

In the spirit of the *best* thing to put in a USEFULL cup, what is your go-to coffee order?

I’m a fan of almond milk lattes with honey and cinnamon powder – I also always add 3-4 shots of espresso!

What are 5 songs you can’t live without?

A&W by Lana del Rey, End of Beginning by Dijo, Linger by the Cranberries, Kingston by Fey Webster, and Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve by Taylor Swift. 

What is a snapshot of an ordinary moment in your life that brings you great joy?

Drinking black coffee in the morning and reading a book – using either my cat mug or USEFULL cup!

Thanks to Aspen for sitting down – we’re lucky to have such a creative and hard-working part of the team!