It’s always exciting starting a new adventure and our new Account Executive Rhiannon has experienced many exciting paths. She explains the journey that brought her to Resonates and her perspectives around Net Zero and the green transition.
While pursuing my bachelor’s degree in international studies and French at Bishop’s University I got deeply involved in journalism around campus and further afield in Quebec, learning above all how to write and communicate to, and for, a variety of audiences. This led to my master’s degree from Cardiff University in International Public Relations and Global Communications Management. While there, I was intrigued by the idea of using my written skills and newfound public relations experiences for a purpose. While pursuing my studies I travelled extensively, leading to a desire to protect the world around us.
What I find most rewarding is the ability to learn about a wide range of ideas, technologies, and policies that I previously would never have known about. I am happy to be able to continue learning, whether it be about charge point operators, the policies that support the pathway to Net Zero in the UK and globally, the numerous evolving solar and wind energy technologies, or, of course, the hundreds of acronyms that accompany them.
One of my favourite brands is Patagonia. Their commitment to environmental activism is commendable, and I love the idea of the Earth being their only shareholder. It also doesn’t hurt that my Patagonia fleece, which I was able to get through their ‘worn wear’ programme, is one of the warmest things I own. The programme allows Patagonia to keep their clothing items in a circular system by recycling second hand items.
Planning a pathway to Net Zero needs to be the focus of every company around the world. Whether a restaurant, a business insights company or a café, every single business needs to keep sustainability and its impact on the environment in mind. This can take the form of being mindful of water consumption and energy usage, food waste and a switch to local food sourcing or fair trade, and overall educating employees on how their individual impact relates to the larger scale. For example; did you know deleting emails is more environmentally friendly than not?
What I find to be one of the most challenging aspects of tackling Net Zero from an individual perspective, rather than that of a business or government, is that of climate anxiety and individual pressure. While the overarching goal of achieving Net Zero is going to take unprecedented effort and overhaul from larger organisations and entities, it is important to note that millions of small individual changes that you and others like you take, make as much of a difference as one large change from a large business or government.
There are few things I love more than sitting down to the newest nature documentary. I think it’s a great way to learn about the world around us while also unwinding from the day (can Sir Attenborough’s voice get any more soothing?). As of right now, I recommend the docuseries Queens, which focusses on the matriarchic animal societies around the world.
I try and use reusable products as much as I can and prioritise fixing and mending rather than replacing. I like choosing products that withstand the test of time, that I can pass on to others as opposed to following the monthly trend cycle. For example; my Hydroflask water bottle and backpack from high school are a few dents in and a few countries further away but are still going strong.
It’s so hard to choose just one thing to do for a day. I’d be on Skomer Island making friends with the puffins, surfing the coast of Morocco, sand boarding down the dunes in Peru, snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the Pacific North West, motorcycling around Vietnam, snowboarding in Kathmandu, the list goes on!
