I was sooo incredibly inspired at the eXXpedition Summit this weekend, 2 days packed full of:
facts, science and other fascinating information,
emotional and uplifting recounts of previous voyages,
optimistic calls to actions and
enthusiastic encouragements to finding solutions
In a setting suitably cool and understated but with a strong ecological message (https://www.arbor-etum.com) some of the next generation of ambassadors - those 300 women who will relay around the world for the next 2 years - had the opportunity to gather, chat, exchange, bond and party.
I am delighted to have met so many women inspired by eXXpedition's unique formula and aims ; most jumped onto the opportunity and applied to sail without much second thought. And all of us got the feeling on those 2 days that we had done absolutely the right thing.... One thing is certain, all these women are passionate and the room was buzzing at all times!
Calling out specifically https://www.instagram.com/_rachelocallaghan/ and https://www.instagram.com/theamethystadventurer/ : 2 (more local) of the other 9 women that will form part of my Leg 4 crew and it was brilliant to meet them both.
The 300 of us will add to the -already extraordinary- group (army?) of 100 ambassadors and will ensure that, having experienced the plastics issue first hand, we carry the message as broadly as possible.
My key take-aways (not in a plastic container 😜) are:
The legacy of previous ambassadors is about how they relate personally, passionately and emotionally to their experience - tell your story rather than be a spokesperson for eXXpedition.
My legacy will be about how I use and build on my first hand experience and the facts I have learned from 2020 onwards.
Every woman is incredible and has a role to play, whatever her superpower.
Passion and enthusiasm is as important as being a scientist, a doctor or having sailed across many oceans -> be confident that no-one is less equipped than the next one person.
There are several ways to tackle plastic pollution: avoid / closed recyling / down recycling / minimise : the shift model gives hopes and opportunities at various levels.
There is a lot of science about plastic and it keeps coming ; the next thing is to understand the origin of plastics to find solutions. Experiments in the water will be a key part of each eXXpedition day.
Solution science is also achieved on land through upstream research (mismanaged plastics) and citizen science, education, outreach events and action.
Flexibility (mother nature!) and positive attitude on board, as well as safety, are the ingredients for a successful mission.
STORY + FACTS + ACTION = SHIFT to MAKE THE UNSEEN SEEN
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