Hi, I am Sandi Schwartz, an award-winning environmental author, freelance journalist, copyeditor, and researcher with 20+ years of experience effectively and creatively communicating to multiple audiences in the areas of home and garden, nature, sustainability, climate science, energy, transportation, green living, green tech, lifestyle, parenting, mental health, and wellness.
As a freelance journalist, I have written hundreds of science-based articles in publications including Yahoo, MSN, Dwell, Better Homes and Gardens, BobVila.com, Family Handyman, Mother Earth News, Earth911, AARP, Next Avenue, TechTarget, Verywell, mindbodygreen, Scary Mommy, Motherly, Parent Co, Environmental Defense Fund’s Moms Clean Air Force, The Gottman Institute’s blog, EM Magazine of the Air & Waste Management Association, Green Child Magazine, Green Teacher, Grand, Vibrant Life, One Green Planet, Your Teen for Parents, and 70+ regional parenting and women’s magazines like NY Parenting, Washington Family, Calgary’s Child, and Austin Woman Magazine.
As a content marketing writer, I have written branded environmental content for companies such as Plaine Products, Sense, and Cat & Dogma (organic clothing brand). Additionally, I crafted sponsored blog content for Diapers.com, Arcadia Power, Paperless Post, Oriental Trading, Mindware, Steve Spangler Science, and more.
I also have experience with researching, writing, and editing technical environmental reports and accompanying marketing collateral to inform and educate decision-makers and the public. Throughout my career, I have crafted materials to boost the public understanding of science by succinctly conveying complex research.
In addition, I provide editing and proofreading services. Clients have included Union for Concerned Scientists and the District of Columbia Department of Transportation’s goDCgo program that encourages the use of sustainable transportation.
Finally, I am an award-winning author focusing on the intersection of nature and mental health. My book, Finding Ecohappiness: Fun Nature Activities to Help Your Kids Feel Happier and Calmer, focuses on the mental health benefits of connecting with nature through topics including awe and gratitude, mindfulness, creative arts, outdoor play, travel and adventure, volunteering, food, and animals. My work in this area has been featured in The Washington Post, USA Today, National Geographic, Yahoo!, MSN, Good Housekeeping, Library Journal, Authority Magazine, and more. I also won several book awards: GOLD book awards from Foreword Reviews, Nautilus Book Award, Benjamin Franklin Award from Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Nonfiction Book Award from Nonfiction Authors Association; Arlene Book Award–Books That Make a Difference from American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA); and an environmental writing/journalism Indigo Award from Sierra Club Florida Chapter. Learn more about my work at www.ecohappinessproject.com.
I look forward to working with you to get your environmental message out into the world!
Past Positions
My prior experience includes freelance writing and research projects with environmental, energy, transportation, and health organizations and publications. I also held positions at the National Academies; United States Environmental Protection Agency; and Cadmus, a consulting firm where I worked on EPA’s ENERGY STAR and Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools programs.
Education
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies at The George Washington University, a Master of Arts in Government with an Environmental Focus at Johns Hopkins University, and a Specialization Certificate in Foundations of Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. I also completed The Science of Happiness course offered by the University of California, Berkeley and served as a Community Teaching Assistant.
Affiliations
I am a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, Association of Ghostwriters, Children & Nature Network, Editorial Freelancers Association, and Nonfiction Authors Association.
Some Other Fun Tidbits About Me
- My hobbies include piano, watercolor painting, reading, community service, and working out.
- I am always craving new knowledge and prefer non-fiction over fiction.
- The environment has been my passion since I cleaned up a river in high school with the nature club.
- I have enjoyed writing since I served as an editor for my high school newspaper.
- My Graduate School Masters Thesis explored the effectiveness of policy options in bringing more fuel-efficient vehicles to market, and now I am the proud owner of an electric car.
