The last 12 months have been a total whirlwind of change and growth. When I started the SEASTAINABILITY blog three years ago I never imagined I would turn my newly founded environmental hobby into a career. The eco seed was planted and I found myself trying to enlighten anyone who would give me 5 minutes of their time. Many people entertained my ideas of beach cleaning and living a plastic-free lifestyle, but to some I think I became a professional antagonist in their eyes. The momentum grew and I became so busy with the blog I had to make a decision; would I break from the career I spent over a decade developing, or would I take the plunge and dive head first into a world of NGOs, volunteering and further study? Well, here I am, now a Recycling Ambassador newbie as well temping in an Environmental NGO and soon to be a Msc Sustainable Development undergrad.

Now I have a regular audience of eager householders looking to get their #binsorted. The demand of groups looking to get involved in sustainable living and learning about environmental awareness is growing more than I had ever imagined. Where possible, I try to combine the workshops with other proactive activities be it eco-festivals or beach cleans. Corporate companies, schools and individuals alike are getting in touch regularly looking to get involved and offset, as such, much of the wasteful practices of their old routines. Litter, waste and pollution had always bothered me before but until more recent years I really had no idea the damage which was being made to our environment. I switched many of my own practices overnight, slowing the pace of living and consuming, thankfully it wasn't a passing phase and I haven't looked back since.

Awareness is growing and through initiatives such as the Recycling Ambassador Programme members of society have great opportunities and resources to reduce their waste and effectively lower their impact on natural resources. My audiences are always eager to know what the next phase of recycling will be in Ireland and how better we as a nation can reduce our carbon footprint and our impact on the global environment. I know from personal experience people find it very difficult to divert theoretically recyclable materials into the black bin and this is often a topic which causes the most debate. As a solution, I try to explore ideas for up-cycling such materials or inspire people to avoid non-recyclable products. I remind the audience that we have great power as consumers and the market is entirely consumer driven. We can 'vote with our feet' and put pressure on big brands to improve their products packaging and offer consumers recyclable or refillable solutions.

The next few years in Ireland will be very interesting and we have already witnessed an Ireland that is ready for positive change and thriving development. 

Rebecca.

Check out Rebecca's blog 'Seastainability - designers and scientists exploring wasy to keep our lands green and our waters blue'

Pictured; Rebecca presenting recycling workshop at Bi Urban as part of Stoneybatter Pride of Place Festival this Summer.