I generally believe that protecting nature as best as we can is something really important for everyone to do their part in.
As a child that spent most her youth growing up on my grandparents farm in the mountains in Southern Germany I was rather far away from a proper ocean, but nevertheless their importance as well as the beauty of untouched nature has never been lost on me.
When you know how soothing yet powerful these places can be to recharge and rebalance oneself it becomes very hard not to care about protecting them.
2. WHAT ARE YOU DOING THAT IS BETTER FOR THE OCEANS?
Well the cliche answer would be something like "I bought glass straws the other day so I won't need disposable ones anymore." but honestly speaking that's not it for me.
Of course each individuals consumer behaviour is important and being more conscious about your impact in the world just as much, but for me it really is more about organisational and systemic changes that I believe will bring true betterment.
3. WHAT DO YOU THINK THE SURFING INDUSTRY SPECIFICALLY CAN BE DOING TO SUPPORT THE HEALTH OF THE OCEANS?
I've spent the last year to really educate myself in matters of Sustainable Business Strategy and how corporations can do their part in lessening their impact. Having some great mentors and friends in various industries we jointly try to work on actions that can advance internal workings to do better and ultimately find a way to have that ripple outwards.
Being a Head of Marketing one could now of course point a finger and say this just means it's to greenwash more campaigns, but honestly I couldn't care less about labelling something as good for the environment if it is not. (so we don't)
4. CAN YOU RECOMMEND ANY BOOKS, BRANDS, ORGANISATIONS OR PEOPLE OUR FOLLOWERS SHOULD CHECK OUT FOR INSPIRATION?
Oooh, where should I even start on this - I think for books it's certainly the below three for me:
- There Is No Planet B: A Handbook for the Make or Break Years by Mike Berners-Lee
- How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need by Bill Gates
- Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant (not on Sustainability, but this will help break patterns of refusing to see the point because you think you know better)
As for organisations and brands - of course nobody is perfect and this journey being a long terms learning process you'll always find those that proclaim doing well when it is just the bare minimum in some cases. For me it's the silent heroes like for example the Technicoflor Group in France - they have a great and realistic approach to a better version of themselves and that's refreshing for me to observe.
ANY FINAL MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
Stay curious and don't ever assume you know it all. Be willing to unlearn what you thought to be the truth if new facts emerge.
That mindset will help you do amazing things both for a better planet, but also for a better self.