Agents in Action

David Bender, a Compass agent in Rancho Santa Fe, CA, is turning his property into a model of sustainability. By inviting volunteers to harvest surplus oranges for the San Diego Food Bank, he helps reduce food waste, one of the largest sources of landfill methane, while supporting the local community. He has also partnered with Best Bees to install over 500,000 bees on his property, contributing to vital pollinator research. David’s efforts show how homeowners can create meaningful environmental impact through thoughtful choices at home. His work is a powerful example of how local action can support both ecosystem health and community resilience. He now serves as a California team leader for Compass4Earth, helping expand this impact across the state.

Charity Joiner, a Compass agent serving Lake Oconee, Georgia and Los Angeles, CA, is turning Earth Day into something bigger. What began as a small campus clean up at Lake Oconee Academy, organized by Charity and her family, has quickly grown into a student led movement. In 2024, about 20 to 30 students and family members showed up to help clean the campus grounds. One year later, participation nearly quadrupled. In 2025, close to 100 students and families took part, with the majority being students choosing to show up for their community. It is not just about picking up trash. It is about watching children mindfully choose to care for a space that is not only theirs. It is about young people understanding that when they pick up someone else’s litter, it benefits everyone, the greater good. The vision continues to grow, with plans to expand efforts to include Lake Oconee lake and shoreline clean up events, bringing the broader community together in stewardship of the place they call home.

Stephanie Cowan, a Compass agent serving Carlsbad and San Diego, CA., grew up on Vancouver Island in Canada, where being surrounded by nature and the ocean shaped her lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship. Inspired by a conservation-minded family, she became involved in initiatives like Ocean Ambassadors and the “Pick Up 3” campaign, encouraging beachgoers to collect at least three pieces of trash each time they visit the shoreline. She believes small individual actions—like driving electric vehicles or composting—can have a powerful ripple effect when they inspire others. Her passion for conservation carries into her work in real estate, where she often sees usable items discarded during moves and renovations. During the COVID lockdown, she and her son launched a local “Free Store” Facebook group that now connects more than 1,400 members who exchange items that still have life left in them. By encouraging reuse and responsible disposal, she helps reduce landfill waste while building a stronger sense of community. At home, sustainability is part of her daily routine. She composts food waste, charges her electric vehicle with solar power, recycles regularly, walks whenever possible, and avoids single-use plastics by using reusable bags and refillable water bottles. She is excited to be part of Compass4Earth, connecting with other agents who share a commitment to protecting the environment.

 MORE TO COME