Images: (L) Exploring on a rest day from researching bottlenose dolphins, Italy; (R) A male sperm whale preparing for his deep dive, Kaikoura, New Zealand
When it comes to the environmental crisis we’re facing, not only do we desperately need science to advise policy, we also need people to care to drive change. Everyone is playing a role right now: every decision you make, and every item you consume stands for what you believe in and reflects who you are. Who or what is benefiting? And who or what is suffering?
That said, you have to pick your battles as there are varying environmental pros and cons with every decision you make. My priority right now is addressing our plastic problem, which is why I’m eradicating plastic from my life. I’ve stopped using any form of single-use plastics for food and beauty, and I’m now looking at ways to reduce reusable plastics where there are more sustainable solutions; including my clothing!
Even focusing on avoiding plastic comes with such an overwhelming amount of constraints; you can feel like a small fish in a giant ocean, drowning on plastic. But each and every step you take also comes with an incredible feeling of satisfaction and empowerment. I feel encouraged to go further and aim for a waste free lifestyle.
We are the generation with the power to change in our hands, let’s grasp it and run.
Together, we can turn the tide.