Robin Greenfield – Public Speaker

Not only does Robin have the most compelling and important content that the world needs to know about, but he takes you on an adventure with him right from your seat. He knows how to play off the audience and his confidence is organic and contagious.

Robin Greenfield is a truth-seeker, activist, social reformer and servant to Earth, humanity and our plant and animal relatives. He lives simply and sustainably as a means of active resistance to oppressive, exploitative systems. His life is an experiment with truth and integrity – dedicated to liberation and basic rights for all – Earth, humans and the plants and animals we share this home with.

Robin’s public activism involves dramatic gestures designed to reach the mainstream and to provoke critical thought, self-reflection and positive change. His activism creates nuanced conversations on the critical issues of our time, with a focus on solutions for living in harmony. His activism has been covered by media worldwide and he has been named “The Robin Hood of Modern Times” by France 2 TV and “The Forrest Gump of Ecology”.

To get to know Robin more, read his biography and see his media appearances.

As a public speaker, Robin has spoken at over 150 in-person events to 20,000 people in 13 countries.

He has given three TEDx Talks: at TEDxTeen in London on “How to End the Food Waste Fiasco“, at TEDxIHEParis in Paris on how to “Be the Change in a Messed up World” and TEDxUCLA in Los Angeles, “I Wore All My Trash for 30 Days“.

His speaking venues range from elementary schools to universities, small businesses to international corporations, rural villages to major cities, municipal organizations, nonprofits and more.

Above all else, Robin prides himself in his ability to instigate critical thought and inspire positive change in the people he speaks with. The inspiration he imparts transforms audience members so much so that when they walk out of the room, they often commit to transforming their own lives, one step at a time. His talks are not just educational and inspirational, but bring in an element of humor which makes the topic of sustainability more accessible to a wide range of people. He is often able to connect with people who have rarely put thought into the environmental issues of our time. Because of Robin’s lead-by-example actions and his extreme dedication to the cause, he inspires people who’ve been working in the field for decades to take their work even further.

To inquire about a speaking event with Robin, please email speaking@robingreenfield.org. Robin lives a simple life and has minimal monetary needs, so the vast majority of the funds he raises are donated to environmental nonprofits. For further information on his donations, see Robin’s vows and his net worth. One hundred percent of Robin’s income from media is donated to nonprofits.

For those interested in bringing Robin to your community, download his Speaking press sheet here.

See Robin’s current speaking schedule here.

Robin in Paris, France in 2017 giving his second TEDx Talk.
Robin Greenfield outside a shop wearing his trash suit.
Robin presenting “Trash Me” in Vienna, Austria on his 2017 European tour.

What People are Saying:

“Book Robin. Book him now. Not only does he have the most compelling and important content that the world needs to know about, but he takes you on an adventure with him right from your seat. He knows how to play off the audience and his confidence is organic and contagious. He is wonderful to work withorganized, dedicated and so much fun. I work with many speakers and by far, he was one of the best decisions we ever made. If you’re looking for a speaker who gets conversations going beyond event day, look no further. He is authentic as authentic comes.”

Jess Teutonico, Executive Director, We Are Family Foundation and Curator, TEDxTeen

 

“What really sums up the experience is that the first thing that was said was: ‘Wow, he is just such a good person’ and it is safe to say that we were all thinking it. After talking with Robin, the group stayed for almost an hour past our meeting time discussing ways we could implement the things he mentioned on campus. It was the most realistic, productive, and exciting meeting we have had as that group! He provided us with so much knowledge and insight on how to make a difference in this world and now we believe we will!”

Emily Mazan, Secretary of Valparaiso University Environmental Club

 

“Robin was a refreshing change from our “normal” external speakers. He fully connected and engaged the younger generation in particular (our audience were mostly in their 20s). By combining the environment with adventuring, it gives a more interesting angle to pure “environment” talks, which risk a boring preach leaving you feeling guilty and overwhelmed. Many in the audience observed that they subsequently talked to friends about the issues, and had animated conversations with those present on the night. These are the current issues facing our world today and Robin tackles them with the right level of seriousness but mostly with humor and fun stories.”

Quote from a Partner at a Big 4 Professional Services firm

 

“I have found that students often feel overwhelmed by the magnitude and scope of global environmental problems and they sometimes feel helpless in reflecting on their roles in potential solutions. Robin was able to connect with the students in a practical and engaging way and he appealed to their interests in a manner that academic texts are unable to achieve. Furthermore, his experiences provided the basis for our ongoing class discussions about the various ways that each of us can communicate about our environmental attitudes and concerns and about suggestions for new approaches, behaviors or habits. In a word, Robin’s discussion with this class was inspirational and the enthusiastic responses from the students confirmed its value for their learning experiences.”

Robert B. Richardson, PhD Michigan State University

 

“Robin told stories of just how far he discovered we need to go in order to truly address the brokenness of the world we are living in. But he also told these stories with such love and warmth and without judgment, that we were left feeling inspired rather than guilty and overwhelmed. He truly inspired us as a community to keep these conversations going. One result of which is we now have a Food Savers scheme, redistributing food that would otherwise be dumped.”

Ciara Brehony, Common Ground Bray, Wicklow, Ireland.

 

“Robin Greenfield was a captivating and passionate speaker who highlighted our sustainability conference. His dedication to positivity and sustainability was strongly apparent, making his presentation as equal in popularity to our national best-selling keynote speaker! It was clear that during Robin’s presentation, a wave of inspiration and excitement spread through the audience, sparking a meaningful discussion about simple living.”

Aaron Hussmann, Former Campus Organizer for CALPIRG Energy Service Corps

 

“Robin Greenfield’s presentation was awe-inspiring and inspirational for our fifth-grade environmental heroes. Months later, students are still referring to “The Trash Man” as we complete our all-school compost project. Now more than ever, our students understand the importance of reducing their waste and discouraging wasteful habits of others.”

Claire Brennan, Service Learning Coordinator at Friends Seminary

 

“Robin Greenfield gives us the gold standard in sustainability presentations. He rivets his audiences with stories of his unique adventures and incredible visuals. Robin shows us that living sustainably just requires some thought, preparation and sometimes a little bit of grit. All of us need to live more sustainably and Robin shows us how. He shows us that going to the extremes of sustainability is doable, satisfying, educational and fun.”

Dave Engel, co-founder San Diego 350 Planet Based Diet Team

 

“Robin is a great speaker. It was a great experience to host Robin Greenfield in Vienna with 350 people in the audience. His natural way of being and speaking was truly inspiring for everyone. Robin took a lot of time before and after the show to connect in person with as many fans as possible. His stories stayed with us for a long time after the talk. Everyone who sees Robin Greenfield live believes that he or she can be the change we wish to see in the world. We all can do it.”

Helene Pattermann, Founder of Zero Waste Austria 

 

“Robin Greenfield brings with him a magnetic energy that you feel not only in his action and solution-oriented message, but an energy that radiates in the room and ignites a passion in his audience, as well. His presentation to my students left a lasting impression not only on them, but also the adults in the room. That’s because he doesn’t just present a problem, he empowers them with tangible solutions. He doesn’t just say to become part of the solution, he demonstrates exactly how. Robin is well-traveled and he brings his worldly experiences and knowledge to his interactions, which makes him very personable and able to connect with people almost instantaneously. I highly recommend Robin if you’re considering having him do a presentation at your organization because everyone present will walk away thinking and ready to act.”

Pallavi Shastri, Green Team Coordinator P.S. 69Q, Jackson Heights, NY

 

“There are those who know all the right things to do, but know not how to pass along the knowledge; and there are those who know all the right things to say, but know not how to put it in action. It’s very rare to see someone who not only talks the talk and walks the walk, but also has the ability to relate to others and engage their attention within ten seconds, regardless of age or gender. Robin is that person. Over the course of his “Trash Talk” given to our elementary students and their parents, we noticed that the kids went from being fidgety on the benches to migrating towards the stage one by one and forming a circle around Robin. We all walked away more informed about how to be kinder to our environment and inspired to take actions. I could almost see another one or more kids from tonight’s audience following Robin’s footsteps in another decade or two!”

The Forest Hill Elementary School STEM Committee

 

“The local Authority Waste Prevention Network in Ireland was delighted to have Robin as their keynote speaker at their annual plenary meeting. Whilst everybody in the room was already committed to waste prevention and sustainability, Robin provided great motivation and ideas to us all to continue our work in community engagement. One of the key take-home messages was that although the problems our planet faces are huge, we cannot do nothing and that each one of us should take responsibility for our own actions, something that Robin has clearly done. Since the talk, a number of participants have used Robin’s ideas with events such as a food rescue event and a zero-waste meal in a restaurant.”

Nial O’Connor, Environmental Awareness Officer Monaghan County Council

 

“Having Robin come and talk to the students about waste gave the hope needed to make change. Students knew a lot about all the negatives of climate change and waste and many viewed the ‘solution’ as large and unachievable. Robin was able to provide meaningful and realistic changes students could do right away, so they did! As a class, they decided to all give up using plastic straws straight away. This was the seed needed to allow further action to happen as children and young adults. What made it special was it all came from Robin’s own personal experience, giving everything a solid context. The whole session was pitched perfectly to the age and ability of the students and they loved hearing about his adventures and asking plenty of engaging questions.”

Marcus James, International School of Geneva, Switzerland

 

“I highly recommend inviting Robin Greenfield to speak to your class or group about sustainable living and making a difference. Robin spoke to my sustainability and justice class in San Diego City College’s Peace Studies program and the students loved it. He’s a very engaging speaker and the students found his story to be accessible, relatable and inspiring. Robin shows that someone just like them can make a big difference just by making some changes to how they live their lives. He makes this seem not only feasible but fun!”

Stephanie Knox Cubbon, Peace Studies Professor, San Diego City College

 

“Robin came to a chilly Lancing College on the south coast of England to talk to our 16- and 17-year-olds and truly inspired them with his passion for the environment and how to live lightly on the earth. We have so many plans to improve the school’s approach to the environment as a result of Robin’s visit. He was great fun and his sheer zest for life was infectious.”

Daniel Connolly, Assistant Head, Lancing College

 

“We knew an event photo of a fit dude naked on a bike might draw in a few more audience members than our events usually do. What we didn’t anticipate was the enormous effect Robin would have on the student body. Never has the society had so many people signing up to actually be involved. He took the ideas of sustainability that everyone had talked about for years in the society and brought them alive. The increase in environmental action on campus is absolutely amazing. Robin has wonderful friendly charisma and a way of making his lifestyle and ways of addressing incredibly important environmental issues accessible and desirable. People still come up to me five months later and tell me what a super few days it was. I think the most telling thing is that no one felt like a message was being forced upon them. Everyone had fun. Everyone wanted to be his friend. What more could you want from an ambassador for good?”

Aine O’Gorman, President of Environmental Society at Trinity College Dublin