Christina (Christy) Ritter, Construction Accountant and Vice Chair Sustainability Committee, Tarlton Corporation, Volunteer Naturalist at Powder Valley, New Missouri Gateway Green Building Council Member + Green Schools Quest Mentor
Description of your work in green building:
My introduction to LEED began while earning my Environmental Studies degree, though I didn’t have much direct experience with green building initially. I’m familiar with LEED certification, WELL standards, and sustainable site concepts.
At Tarlton Corporation, where I work, we occupy a LEED Silver-certified building—the first in the City of St. Louis to earn this distinction. The project prioritized sustainable features such as selecting a brownfield site, maximizing daylight, ensuring excellent indoor air quality, and optimizing water and energy efficiency. Our building also includes a solar rooftop and a cistern that collects rainwater for irrigation.
I’m actively involved with Tarlton’s Sustainability Committee. Recently, I helped spearhead a project to phase out air fresheners and cleaning products in favor of eco-friendly, green alternatives. We also organized an electronic recycling drive—the first since COVID—which collected over one ton of e-waste. Next year, we plan to expand the event by inviting more of the local community to participate.
Sustainability passion:
Sustainability is a deep passion of mine—I could easily talk for hours or write pages on the subject! But to keep things focused, here are a few key areas close to my heart:
Native Plants:
One of my first meaningful experiences with native plants was during a field botany class at St. Louis Community College Meramec, taught by Jon Hawker. That class truly shaped my appreciation for local ecosystems.
Supporting Small Local Farms:
While studying Environmental Studies, I wrote a research paper on concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). It changed the way I buy meat and eggs. Since then, I’ve been committed to purchasing all my meat from local farms that use sustainable and humane practices. I find factory farming practices appalling and actively support farmers who raise animals responsibly. I participate in a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) with Three Rivers Community Farm in Elsah near Grafton for produce. Farms I’ve purchased meat or eggs from include Farrar Out, Eckenfels, Viox, TriPointe Farm, Such and Such Farm and more. There’s nothing better than fresh, sustainably grown produce and meat. Did you know that sustainably raised local meat is healthier for people, the planet, and the animals? I could talk about this for hours!
Most meaningful experience with MGGBC:
My most meaningful experience with MGGBC so far was volunteering as a photographer at the recent Green Schools Quest. I learned about the event through an MGGBC email seeking volunteers, and I had a fantastic time capturing photos and chatting with students about their projects. Now, I’m excited to be a Green Schools mentor. I hope to plant seeds of inspiration—even if I don’t always see the results.
What will most impact the future of green building:
Stronger building codes and policies are crucial to pushing green building forward, but they’re only part of the solution. Education is equally important—contractors, homeowners, and developers all need to understand not just what green building means, but how to implement it practically and cost-effectively.
Cost remains a barrier, especially for smaller projects and under-resourced communities. Making sustainable options more affordable will drive wider adoption.
I also believe in the power of community. When people come together to share ideas, resources, and experiences—like we do in MGGBC—that local momentum can fuel real, lasting change.
Favorite Sustainability Project:
I’ve volunteered with many organizations focused on outreach and education. Currently, I serve as a Naturalist with the Missouri Department of Conservation at Powder Valley. While I enjoy volunteering at special events, my favorite projects involve developing and presenting educational programs. Recently, I created a program called Photographing and Identifying Insects, which was presented at several St. Louis libraries. I’m also finishing a school program on insects that my supervisor asked me to develop.
Favorite place in the St. Louis region or Missouri Gateway GBC territory:
I love hiking and spending time in my garden! One of my favorite places is my yard in Arnold, where I enjoy planting, weeding, and observing pollinators on native plants I’ve introduced over the years.
For hiking and walking, I enjoy Tower Grove Park, Victoria Glades, Forest Park, LaBarque Creek, Young Conservation Area, and Shaw Nature Reserve. Tower Grove is especially lovely with its mature native trees and historic Victorian architecture. Shaw Nature Reserve stands out for its native gardens and habitats, with great work done to remove invasive species and restore Missouri native landscapes.
Sustainability is a shared journey, and I’m grateful to be part of a community like MGGBC that encourages collaboration, education, and action. Every small effort counts—whether it’s in the buildings we create, the food we choose, or the connections we build. Together, we can create a healthier, greener future for our region and beyond. Thank you for the opportunity to share my story.