Give 'Em a Blake
Blake Mycoskie, founder of eco-friendly driving school, answers Grist's questions
10 Jul 2006
Blake Mycoskie.
What's your job title?
How does your work relate to the environment?
Photo: Drivers Ed Direct.
We teach kids to drive in hybrids, which makes them more comfortable with the technology and educates them about environmental responsibility. We believe this makes them more likely to buy a hybrid vehicle and have a heightened awareness of environmental issues. Also, we have loaded our online course with numerous green tips and statistics. Here's an example: "The California Department of Transportation's annual litter cleanup costs run over $40 million. Some practical tips on how to prevent littering include: using a litterbag in your car, tying down loads in your truck bed, and keeping your vehicle -- especially the truck bed -- clean and free of debris that can fly out."
What are you working on at the moment?
We are using a series of mall kiosks to inform students and their parents about our online program and our driver training program using hybrid cars.
How do you get to work?
I live very close to work so I mostly skateboard or bike. I used to own a hybrid car but donated it to the company.
Where were you born? Where do you live now?
Texas. Venice, Calif.
What has been the worst moment in your professional life to date?
When my reality TV network was squashed by FOX and Rupert Murdoch.
What's been the best?
Seeing the transformation we have made in the drivers' ed industry in just over one year. We have introduced a revolutionary product and business model, and the consumers have responded by using our services and, most importantly, telling their friends how great their experience was with our company.
What environmental offense has infuriated you the most?
It makes me very angry to hear that all of the cruise liners are able to dump their waste in international waters.
Who is your environmental hero?
One of my heroes is Jean-Michel Cousteau, who has dedicated his life to the research and cleanup of the ocean for future generations.
What's your environmental vice?
When I go out of town, I sometimes forget to turn off the A/C in my house.
How do you spend your free time?
Fly-fishing, yoga, golf, and spending as much time with family as I can.
What's your favorite meal?
Seafood risotto.
Which stereotype about environmentalists most fits you?
I am an avid recycler -- I have three recycle bins at my house that are always full.
What's your favorite place or ecosystem?
If you could institute by fiat one environmental reform, what would it be?
I would like to see the importance of recycling taught in our schools.
Who was your favorite musical artist when you were 18? How about now?
What's your favorite TV show?
Movie?
Which actor would play you in the story of your life?
If you could have every InterActivist reader do one thing, what would it be?
Tell your friends about Drivers Ed Direct, and buy a hybrid or other environmentally friendly car.
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