I volunteer full-time at Rethink Recycling, where we focus on educating schools, community groups, and corporations about responsible recycling, particularly around post-consumer, single-use plastics. 

Our key tool is RUSTIE, our Regenerative Up-cycling Solar-powered Trailer with Interactive Education. Through interactive micro-machines, we offer a hands-on experience of the circular economy, showing how waste, like plastic lids, can be transformed into something new.

Outside of work, I love spending time in my garden, where I nurture my passion for nature and sustainability, and enjoy the company of my dog, who’s always by my side.

I only recently realised that my sustainable living journey started long ago, thanks to my parents, who instilled these values in me through small, everyday actions. The little things they did differently, like reusing or conserving, became second nature to me, and I didn’t recognise them as part of sustainable living until I began engaging more actively in the sustainability space. 

As I grew, these ingrained habits evolved, and now, in my work, I’m fortunate to share that knowledge and passion with the younger generation, helping them on their own journeys toward sustainability.

I’ve learned that making small, manageable changes over time is much more sustainable than attempting big, drastic changes that are hard to maintain. By incorporating small actions consistently, I’ve seen how they gradually add up to a significant impact on my lifestyle and the environment. 

I’ve also realised that perfection isn’t the goal — progress is. It’s important not to be too hard on yourself if things aren’t perfect. Embracing imperfection and staying committed to ongoing improvement is what truly makes a difference in the long run. 

Yes, taking action is crucial. Even starting with one small, manageable change can give you a sense of accomplishment and build momentum for further actions. Each individual step, like recycling correctly or reducing waste, contributes to a larger, collective impact. Over time, these small changes add up and inspire others, showing that everyone can play a part in creating a more sustainable future. Taking action also empowers you — it’s a reminder that we can all make a difference.

Absolutely, I would recommend people join a community environment or advocacy group. From my personal experience with Rethink Recycling, being part of such a group not only gives you a platform to create real change but also connects you with like-minded individuals who share the same passion for sustainability. Working together amplifies our impact, whether we're promoting responsible recycling practices or raising awareness about the circular economy.

When choosing which group to join, I suggest starting with your personal interests and values. Think about the environmental issues you're most passionate about — whether it's waste reduction, conservation, or climate action. Then, look at what each group focuses on, what kind of activities or projects they organise, and how they align with the issues you care about. It’s also important to consider how much time you can commit and the type of involvement you're seeking. Some groups focus on education and community outreach, like we do at Rethink Recycling, while others may engage more in policy advocacy or direct environmental action. 

Joining a group that resonates with your values and interests will make your experience more meaningful and impactful. And, as I’ve seen in my own work, the connections and learning opportunities are incredibly rewarding.

• Find some like-minded people to make the journey easier: Surrounding yourself with others who share your passion for green living can provide support, encouragement, and fresh ideas to help you stay motivated and accountable.
• Start small and keep it manageable to increase your chances of success: Focus on simple, achievable changes like reducing plastic use or composting, and gradually build on these successes as you grow more confident in your sustainable lifestyle.
• Be consistent and patient: Green living takes time, so focus on steady progress rather than perfection, knowing that every small action contributes to lasting change.
• Educate yourself and stay curious: Continuously learning about sustainability empowers you to make informed choices and discover new ways to reduce your environmental impact.