Issue #04 | Bridget Thorpe, Founder at SOL VAE

Bridget Thorpe is the Brand and Communications Manager at Climate Neutral. She is also the founder of Hawaiʻi-based SOL VAE, a value-based and carbon-neutral company known for its innovative hybrid sports bra. Bridgetʻs background is in ESG (environmental, social, governance) consulting; she has worked with 40+ global Fortune 500 companies across four continents to strategize and market their sustainability achievements—including Walmart, PepsiCo, Gap Inc., The Clorox Company, Virgin Voyages/Richard Branson, and more. Bridget was raised on Kauaʻi and lives there today with her family.

Q: You grew up on Kaua’i, moved to a hotbed of startup activity (Boulder), and then chose to return to the islands — why?

I chose to leave Hawaiʻi for the same reasons many do — I was excited to go to bigger cities and experience more of the world. I actually moved back to Kauaʻi for about a year, and I tried to make it work, but it was difficult to advance my career in climate—let alone try to purchase a home. So, I ultimately decided to move away again (to Colorado).

But like so many others, I began to re-evaluate things during the pandemic. I was ready for a change, and I felt like I was at a unique point in my life where I had accomplished a lot of what I set out to do; I had the big city experiences, I got the job, and I found the guy. Professionally speaking, I had also built confidence, relationships, and skills. I felt I could come home with something more to offer this time. So I did, and I haven’t looked back!

Q: Was there a ʻwatershedʻ moment or ʻtipping pointʻ that jumpstarted your desire to work in climate, or did you find your path to climate organically?

It's interesting because I think when you work in climate, there are a lot of different ways to come about it. There wasnʻt any particular ʻwatershedʻ moment, so to speak. It all evolved pretty organically for me. I initially fell into hospitality because that's what I'd known, but I knew that I wanted to contribute to a larger purpose. I was fortunate to land a job in renewable energy with no experience, and that jumpstarted a lot of really unique, climate-focused opportunities early in my career — for instance, I helped Walmart launch a renewable energy program for their global supply chain, and I at one point wrote a speech for Richard Branson when he launched his carbon-neutral cruise line.

I guess looking back, there was always a “pull” towards climate work. I think it was rooted in the unique relationship with the environment growing up here in Hawai’i. I was always running around outside barefoot, looking for waterfalls, swimming in the ocean, and spending all my time outside. That’s what you do as a kid in Hawai’i. I developed more than just a love for nature; it was a respect and a genuine sense of responsibility that’s only grown stronger as I’ve gotten older.

Q: What kinds of things were you doing during your time as an ESG consultant working with global, Fortune 500 organizations?

My focus was mostly on renewable energy; I directed and consulted on communications campaigns when large organizations would achieve sustainability milestones such as executing power purchase agreements, signing large renewable energy or carbon credit deals, etc. It was very exciting because I got a look ‘under the hood’ at how these powerful organizations were acting on climate. I also got a preview of how they would expect their suppliers to follow suit!

I think two things are happening in the Fortune 500 world:

First, there is increased stakeholder and regulatory pressure for businesses to embrace sustainability as a core business function. When I was working more regularly with Fortune 500 folks, I watched many climate professionals tirelessly advocate for sustainability to be prioritized and embedded into their organizations as much as traditional functions like accounting, finance, HR, etc. There is still a long way to go, but it’s hopeful to see the business case being embraced a lot more. Sustainability is no longer thought of as something for tree lovers, but rather a core component of operational resiliency.

Second, much of the Fortune 500 climate work has only just begun. It will increasingly have a powerful effect on how companies of all sizes do business—especially as more regulation comes into play. For example, larger organizations can’t fully achieve the emissions reduction goals they’ve promised unless their supply and value chain partners also achieve emissions reductions. So I expect we’ll continue to see more and more collaborative efforts. And ideally, organizations of all sizes take more aggressive and immediate climate action.

Q: What drives you to continue that kind of ESG work today?

ESG work makes sense to me. If I’m being super honest, I don’t feel the pressure to keep up with the latest climate change data and charts. The reefs and the sky look different than they did ten years ago, and I can see that with my own two eyes. The way our modern world consumes and interacts with the world is not in harmony with the rest of nature. We exist apart from it. And I think that’s the root of the problem.

I’m reminded of the words of the late Auntie Pilahi Paki, beloved native Hawaiian poet and philosopher:

Her words have always stuck with me, and I believe we’d be a lot further along in solving the climate crisis if we all modeled the deep respect and love for nature that Hawai’i instills in you. I feel fortunate to have been able to grow up in Hawai’i, and my connection to this place is what keeps me motivated today.

Q: Youʻve been in your role at Climate Neutral for almost a year now; what challenges do you face in your role as Brand & Communications Manager?

Right now, our economy is so fundamentally intertwined with fossil fuels that getting to a place of net zero—where all or virtually all emissions are reduced to zero without the use of offsetting—is simply going to take time. And while the climate industry has made substantial strides in the last several years, it’s still evolving and improving.

So I think the toughest part about being in a communications role in climate right now is helping people understand what is actually climate credible, meaning which companies or initiatives are actually moving us closer to that net-zero future in a meaningful way. Unfortunately, greenwashing has kicked up a notch in recent years. It’s left people feeling confused, and industry experts debating vernacular. Rigorous, peer-reviewed standards like those we’re developing at Climate Neutral are helping to solve this challenge.

Q: How would you assess where Climate Neutral is today in its mission to make climate neutrality a priority for businesses and individuals?

Climate Neutral is unique in that it sits at the intersection of individuals and business; it’s where each comes together to drive climate action forward — specifically to eventually eliminate emissions. Climate Neutral makes it easy for people to choose brands that are legitimately advancing climate action and makes it easy for businesses to take meaningful steps on their climate journeys.

When I was doing more consulting work locally, it would frustrate me to hear the same question over and over again: “Where do I recycle?” Don’t get me wrong: recycling matters. But the focus was only on the tangible waste people saw every day. Many business owners don’t know how to start thinking more broadly in terms of emissions, reductions, climate solutions, and more.

So it’s cool to have a front-row seat to see how Climate Neutral is making it easier for organizations of all sizes to understand climate action and create results in short timeframes.

Q: You’re also a founder building a product-based business (SOL VAE) here in Hawai’i; how would you describe your experience thus far?

SOL VAE has been a labor of love, to say the least! It wasn’t until I moved back home to Hawaiʻi that the business started to grow. The state offers several affordable programs for earlier-stage entrepreneurs. I participated in the XLR8UH program, and honestly what I learned was more helpful and practical than the education I received in my MBA. I put in the time and effort, and it didn’t cost me a dime. I’m grateful that these resources and programs are available and easy to find here in Hawaiʻi.

I think the other thing that's helpful out here in Hawaiʻi is that there is still an approachable, small-town feel. It was easy to pick up the phone or to meet someone in person — and those new connections would introduce me to another incredibly helpful individual. The startup community here in Hawaiʻi has always felt more relaxed and less guarded—people genuinely do want to help you! I’ve always felt deeply encouraged by the community.

Q: Where do you see gaps in the existing startup ecosystem? What should Hawai’i be doing to better support Hawai’i-based entrepreneurs?

It’s probably a predictable answer given my ESG background, but I feel we could be doing a better job helping Hawaiʻi-based founders incorporate sustainability as a core business function (similar to accounting, HR, finance, etc.). Hawai’i has such a rich history and culture, and the core tenets of that history and culture resonate deeply with today's climate movement. It feels like we are missing a rather large, obvious opportunity to connect sustainability demand more closely to the seeds of entrepreneurialism and small business here in Hawaiʻi. We currently depend so heavily on tourism and agriculture. Why can’t we create a booming industry of climate-related ventures?

Q: What’s the best way for people to support you right now?

First, check out what we are doing at solvae.co! Make a purchase, forward us to a friend, or help us raise awareness. Second, if you're a small business owner in Hawaiʻi, visit Climate Neutral and create a free BEE account. Measure your emissions—it will take you 15 minutes. And if you want to get certified, great! Lastly, Iʻd encourage all business owners here in Hawaiʻi to at the very least measure their emissions and start rethinking the word “sustainability.” Go beyond the obvious things you can see (like recyclables), and start to think about areas like emissions reductions and circularity.

Q: What’s the best way for people to connect with you?

On LinkedIn or via email ([email protected]) 

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