Here at isla we think it’s important to practise what we preach, so in this series we take a deeper dive into what sustainability really looks like on the ground for members of the isla team. This week we hear from new isla Learning and Action Group Manager, Megan Harris.

Sustainability loves

Food: Poco, down the road from me in Bristol, is one of my favourite spots for a drink and a bit of tapas. There is always a lovely vibe and they have won awards for their sustainable practices!

Drink: I do love my wine – I’m looking forward to enjoying a few glasses of Dunleavy Rosé as the weather gets better. Produced just a few miles away in Somerset.

Fashion: I’m very lucky in that I have some very gorgeous stylish friends who often give me their cast offs. So my wardrobe is constantly getting updated in a very sustainable way and for free (so I have more money to spend on things that really matter – like wine).

Product/Service: The Bristol Bike Project.

Location: The Centre for Alternative Technology, where I completed my Masters, is an incredible place. The site is an old quarry in the foothills of Snowdonia, so you are surrounded by beautiful mountains when you stay there and everything feels so fresh and alive.

Quote: “We’re just mistreating Mother Nature. That’s, like, being ugly to your mama, you know?”– Dolly Parton

Resource: Too Good to Go.

How do you ‘do’ sustainability in your own life? 

I prioritise buying second hand over new. I cycle everywhere. I (have tried…) growing my own veg. I am lucky enough to live close to some great greengrocers and independent food shops so I can more or less avoid shopping in big supermarkets and instead I can invest in the local economy and reduce plastic waste – I realise this is very much not an option for a lot of people though so I feel very privileged to be able to do this.

Are they any local sustainability initiatives that you’re excited about/have engaged with? 

I buy my plug plants from Propagation Place, an awesome local social enterprise that grows baby plants for urban gardens while supporting vulnerable adults through access to nature, education, community and employment.

How do you connect to the natural environment?

I love a good hike up a mountain, bike rides and a spot of wild swimming. 

What one event that you attended really impressed you in terms of sustainability credentials and why?

It’s got to be Shambala Festival. They are really leading the way for outdoor events when it comes to sustainability. They have made some really bold moves like completely removing dairy milk, fish and meat from site and committing to using 100% renewable energy in order to massively reduce their impact. It’s also just the loveliest place to be and I think many people come away from it feeling happy and inspired.

What was your biggest aha moment when it came to climate change/the environment? 

To be honest I never really had an aha moment. Both of my parents are vegetarians and I remember my mum being one of the first people to stop using plastic bags when she went to the supermarket. Small aspects of sustainability have always been a part of my life. I did some volunteering on organic farms and permaculture projects when I was in my early 20s. It was those experiences that really made me want to learn more and incorporate sustainability into my professional world.

Tell us something unusual about your sustainability journey…

I cycled from London to Paris for COP21. It was absolutely brilliant, I met some incredible people and it made me feel like I could go anywhere in the world so long as I have my bicycle!

What’s on your sustainability to-do list?

I would really like to embrace slow travel and finally ditch the planes.

Read more: My Sustainability Story, Kat Bednarczyk