Green Line with Tina H. Zakonjšek

Welcome to Green Line Interviews, a unique series spotlighting champions of sustainability in Slovenia and globally. Each interviewee not only shares their insights but also nominates the next participant, creating a chain of eco-thoughts. With five foundational questions, complemented by two personalized ones from the previous interviewee, we weave a tapestry of diverse, green perspectives, one story at a time. Join us in exploring this interconnected journey toward a brighter, sustainable future.

As we Kick off our Green Line series, who better to start with than our own Slovenia Green auditor and coordinator, Tina H. Zakonjšek. We started our journey together when she co-founded the Institute Factory of Sustainable Tourism GoodPlace with us and started actively working in sustainable tourism. She’s a recognized Travelife and Green Globe auditor for accommodations and agencies, and a Green Destinations auditor. And when she’s not championing green initiatives? You’ll find her exploring new corners of the globe. 

INTRODUCE YOURSELF IN 5 POINTS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON SUSTAINABILITY

• Mother
• Co-founder of GoodPlace
• Co-author of the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism
• Coordinator of the Slovenia Green Consortium
• Advocate and promoter of walking, cycling, and using public transport

FAVORITE GREEN MEMORY / PROJECT / STORY

Definitely the co-founding of GoodPlace. Without ever having met or spoken to Jana (Apih, the director of GoodPlace), based solely on her program and vision, in December 2012 I seated my six-month-old daughter in the stroller, walked to the notary, signed everything necessary, and delivered the authenticated documents to Rimska, to the headquarters of GoodPlace. There, I handed them to Jana and politely addressed her formally. The first thing she said to me was “let’s be informal.” At that time, I had no idea what awaited us and what impactful green story we would write together.

THE BIGGEST MISTAKE HUMANS HAVE MADE

Mistakes are not fundamentally the issue – we all make them and there’s even a saying that to err is human. Unfortunately, it seems that humanity doesn’t learn much (or doesn’t want to learn) from its mistakes. In my opinion, that’s the biggest mistake.

ON MY DAY OFF

I try to go to the mountains to recharge. At the end of some more exhausting weeks or periods, when just the thought of an ascent tires me, without any guilt, I can easily do nothing on a day off.

IN 5 YEARS, I SEE MY CITY – LJUBLJANA …

I was born in Ljubljana and I’m proud of the capital it is today – lovely, green, lively, and convenient for living. But honestly, I would wish even more for a city where cyclists and pedestrians have priority over cars, where a satisfied local always counts more than a satisfied tourist, and where we talk about social achievements at least as much as about new construction ventures.

WHAT EXCITES YOU THE MOST RIGHT NOW

Currently, I am most excited about traveling, and I have set a goal for myself to visit my 50th country this year. I am also intrigued by trail running, which I am currently exploring.