How to inspire the next ocean superhero – ya know, the ones who have to pick up the pieces of our mistakes!
A conversation with ocean superhero Libby Bowles aka Tread Lighter Lib.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
The quote by Margaret Mead is one of Libby’s favourites so it seems fitting to start with it. If that isnt a reason to start your ocean superhero today then I dont know what is!
This episode is for you if:
- You want to inspire the next generation of ocean super heroes.
- You have children, are a teacher or just want to inspire them to become guardians of their own future planet.
- You love Manta Rays or Whalesharks of diving or the Ocean
- You like cycle touring
- You are interested in bamboo bikes
- You like hearing stories from ordinary people who have decided to do something positive to change the world
Who is Tread Lighter Lib?
I met Libby on the very first #PaddleCleanup expedition that I took part in. We instantly connected over our passion for the oceans creatures, diving and rubbish. We spent the rest of our week paddling together canoodling in the ‘dumpster’ canoe and planning world rubbish domination.
It was just before Libby took off on her bike made of grass to cycle the length of New Zealand. Then accross Africa (on a different bike)! We could have done a whole other podcast about Sunny her amazing bamboo bike and her cycle touring trips!
Treading Lighter
Libby is a primary school teacher by profession although she quit her teaching job after one of her students set her a challenge to walk her talk. She is a walking example of how following your passions creates opportunitites that you otherwise might not have seen.
Since she quit her teaching job in October 2017 she has spoken to over 9,000 school children and 2,000 adults, cleaned more than a few beaches, got better at cycling up hills and met some of my own conservation heroes along the way! Including oceanography legend Dr Sylvia Earle, South African freediver Hanli Prinsloo, Jack Johnson, Ingrid Visser the orca scientist (just a litttle bit envious of this one!), Marcus and Anna from the 5Gyres Institute, and environmental campaigner Natalie Fee, founder of City To Sea.
She is based in Bristol and available to talk at your school or event so do get in touch if you have a collective of next generation ambassadors waiting to happen!
She mentions:
Wonder by R J Palacio:
Eco-Anxiety
Libby also talks about Eco-Anxiety which is a term that keeps coming up in the circles I spend my time in. It is touch to stay positive in the face of so much environmental crisis sometimes, however as the Margaret Mead quote suggests change is possible and we are the people who can facilitate that change. One of the best ways to overcmoe overwhelm or procrastination is to break down the issues and set smaller realistic goals for yourself, your business or project. I can help you to overcome eco-anxiety and please get in touch via my coaching pages for a free chat to see how I can help you. You never know, maybe you will become the next ocean superhero!
Find Libby:
Libby doesnt mention her own mini super hero Pip the Wonder Pup but you can follow him here.
Podcast edited by the wonderful Chloe Aust
Please do comment and review as it helps to spread the word of positive change.
Thank you!
Make Eco-Anxiety a thing of the past
By breaking down the issues that you are facing in your own life and in the greater world, I can help you navigate onto a better path. We need to invest in ourselves to be able to step up and do what is needed to protect our natural world. Clarity on your values and clear steps forward help to clear the overwhelm and the procrastination! Get in touch to see how I can help you.
