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In the midst of a world grappling with environmental issues and plastic pollution, Natalie Fee has emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Having founded the organization "City to Sea" in the UK, Natalie is passionately working to eradicate plastic pollution from its root source. Natalie has also been recognized for her exceptional work, bagging accolades like the Sunday Times Volvo Visionaries Award and the Sheila McKechnie Award for Environmental Justice. She is the author of "How to Save the World for Free" and “Do Good, Get Paid” to educate and inspire others to take steps toward a healthier planet.

Natalie's Awakening

Natalie's journey began around five years before she started writing her book, which was published in 2019. She had been running "City to Sea," focussing on reducing plastic pollution. A WWF report in 2018 that highlighted the loss of half the world's wildlife in the past 40 years shook Natalie. It spurred her to engage her army of plastic campaigners in a broader dialogue concerning the prevalent environmental issues.

Expanding her Horizons

Natalie aimed to assist people in finding purposeful and meaningful work through her book. She guided readers on how to maximize their impact by making conscious choices, both in their personal and professional lives. Natalie accentuates the importance of adapting to a mindset that encourages positive change without being overwhelmed by the gravity of global issues.

Making a Tangible Impact

Natalie and her team have worked tirelessly, managing to prevent hundreds of tons of plastic from polluting the earth each year. They believe in the principle advocated by author Clarissa Pinkola Estes in Running iwth Wolves: to mend the world piece by piece, starting with what's within one's reach.

Realizing Local Challenges

Since moving to a small town near Bristol, Natalie has become more aware of the local environmental challenges, including sewage pollution. She emphasizes the vital role that both individuals and organizations like "City to Sea" play in influencing legislative changes to combat such issues. Natalie encourages people to involve themselves with organizations that challenge harmful legislations, understanding that every signature on a petition holds power.

Initiatives by "City to Sea"

During its inception, "City to Sea" focussed on two primary sources of pollution – plastic water bottles and cotton bud sticks. They initiated the refill campaign, encouraging shops to offer free refills to reduce the usage of plastic bottles. They also worked on banning the use of plastic sticks in cotton buds, a campaign that achieved enormous success, demonstrating the positive change that determined efforts can usher in.

What does all this mean for us?

The Plight of our Oceans

Every year, between 8 and 12 million tons of plastic find their way into our oceans. This plastic comes from a variety of sources including the fishing industry, wastewater microplastics, tire dust, and many others. Natalie mentions that around 60% of recycling from the UK is exported, and a significant part ends up being incinerated or misplaced, contributing to plastic pollution. Therefore, she urges everyone to be cautious and to avoid flushing anything besides "pee, paper, and poo" down the toilet, emphasising that such small actions can have a substantial impact.

Plastic periods

It is vital to reassess the use of plastic products used during periods, an issue that is often overlooked. As individuals, we can make a substantial difference by transitioning to reusable and organic period products such as menstrual cups, cloth pads, or organic cotton tampons which have a considerably lower environmental footprint. Additionally, advocating for proper disposal methods and recycling programs targeted at these products can curb the adverse effects posed by plastic waste. Education plays a pivotal role; hence spreading awareness about the potential harm caused by single-use plastics and encouraging conversations around alternative products is key. Moreover, encouraging manufacturers through conscious consumer choices to design products that are biodegradable and exploring innovations in sustainable materials can be a decisive step toward a plastic-free period. 

Step by Step towards a Better Future

For those of us wondering how to start making a difference, Natalie suggests starting with everyday habits. She advises carrying reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and cutlery to reduce the use of single-use plastics. Natalie also emphasizes the health risks associated with plastic, encouraging us to limit our exposure to it.

She recommends starting with small, affordable changes, like shifting from plastic to Pyrex dishes for freezing food items, and choosing bar soaps over shower gels. Natalie believes that the bathroom is the best place to initiate plastic reduction, as it houses a variety of products that can be replaced with eco-friendly alternatives.

To facilitate a greater shift, Natalie encourages shopping locally and choosing products without plastic packaging whenever possible. She also highlights the power of supporting organizations that are working towards a plastic-free world, urging people to share and sign petitions that drive legislative changes. 

Seeking Support through Spirituality

As she navigates the often stressful path of activism, Natalie finds solace in her spiritual practices, which help her maintain a balance in life. She highlights the significance of finding stillness and cultivating a deep understanding of oneself beyond the superficial noise and pressures of the world.

Conclusion

Natalie Fee, through her work and determination, exemplifies that with concerted efforts and a clear vision, it is indeed possible to steer the world towards a healthier future. She reminds us that while one individual might not change the entire world, they can indeed make a considerable difference in their sphere of influence.

As we learn from Natalie, let us all embrace the path of environmental consciousness with a hopeful heart, armed with the understanding that every small step we take can culminate in a significant leap towards saving our planet. Let us be inspired by Natalie’s journey and make everyday choices that protect and nurture our environment for present and future generations.

PS. Listen HERE to Natalie’s journey and how she helps us to help the planet.