About the Founder
Alex Konieczka is an ecologist, youth worker, and founder of Understory, an environmental and zero-waste organisation. With a background in Environmental Science from Trinity College Dublin, Alex has always been drawn to hands-on, community-driven work.
After a successful but unfulfilling time in the corporate world, she pivoted toward work that aligned with her values and sense of purpose—fostering deep connections with nature, supporting grassroots sustainability efforts, and empowering people to take meaningful action in their own communities.
Since founding Understory, Alex has led projects that connect people with nature through ecology, education, and creative activism. She works with communities across Ireland and beyond, empowering them to take practical action for biodiversity and climate resilience.
Community Projects
We believe strong communities are essential for a meaningful life and a secure future. Together, let's foster resilience, strengthen agency, and cultivate a sense of belonging, connection, and pride in place. We empower communities to form stronger bonds with each other and their environment, by offering funding advice, providing accessible workshops, organising initiatives and leading community projects.
Environmental Education
Environmental education is a vital part of a person's development that can completely change one's perception of the world. We offer high quality, tailored and interactive workshops and resources to community groups, primary and secondary schools, universities and businesses, on topics of zero-waste, wild foods, nature connection, climate action, biodiversity and zero-waste art. Together we can help you and your group develop a direct connection with nature.
Corporate Sustainability
We design and deliver sustainability programmes and team building activities for your organisation. We also take commissions, to create biodiverse rooftops and gardens, blending beautiful design with circular practices and education. Even the smallest of spaces can become a wildlife heaven.
Zero Waste Products
We want to provide you with a solution to one of the biggest global problems that is biodiversity loss, as a result of the make and waste model. Understory uses reclaimed materials to create sustainable zero waste products, designed to strengthen your connection to nature and help biodiversity. There is no such thing as waste in nature.
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TRANFORMING OUR COMMUNITIES