Lisa Tsetse & Sox Sperry believe in supporting local communities by funding the development of renewable energy near their home in Ithaca, New York, on Gayogo̱hóǫ’ (Cayuga) land, among the landscape of the Finger Lakes region.

Sox is an educator, curriculum writer, and the initiator of ProvenSustainable™, a project rooted in connection, generational knowledge, and lifelong stewardship. For decades, his work has been shaped by circles of elders, mentors, and wisdom keepers. Sox was introduced, through these relationships, to the concept of sustainable lifeways – those that are grounded in responsibility to land, community, and future generations.

After a recent trip to Switzerland, Sox and Lisa chose to offset their flight through the Finger Lakes Climate Fund. “Ten years ago we decided to limit our air flights, whenever possible, to one trip per year and to purchase carbon offsets whenever we fly,” Sox explains.

However, rather than donating anywhere, they chose the Finger Lakes Climate Fund. “We chose to donate to the Finger Lakes Climate Fund because of its commitment to assist the development of renewable energy in our home region while at the same time supporting local families,” they shared.

For Sox and Lisa, offsetting their infrequent travels to beautiful places like Switzerland is one way to honor that responsibility close to home. Sox and Lisa’s sustainable efforts reflect a broader commitment to living with not only care, but accountability. As Noongar native food specialist and educator Dale Tillbrook says on Proven Sustainable™, “Our ethos is rooted in stewardship. We don’t own the land, we belong to it.”

“Thank you, Finger Lakes Climate Fund, for helping us play our part in stewardship.”