I remember the exact moment I decided to dedicate my life to environmental sustainability.
It was the afternoon of October 21, 2018. I was standing on the beach of Iriomote, a small island in the Okinawa archipelago in Japan. The beach was called Star Sand Beach, famous for its star-shaped sand, but all I could see was trash everywhere. Plastic bottles, slippers, fishing nets, and buoys.
That wasn’t unique, all the islands we’d visited so far had lots of trash on their beaches, but for some reason this time it hit me harder than before.
I was heartbroken and I swore then and there that I would do everything I can to create a world which has a deeper love for and more connection with nature that is ingrained in the way we live, govern and do business.
More justice.
More equality.
More wellbeing in every sense of the word for every living being.
To have any hope of saving the planet and achieving environmental sustainability we must bring our A game. I believe that inner sustainability is an essential part of that: cultivating our inner resources to support our present and future needs (mental, emotional and spiritual), so we can make the greatest impact. You’re here to save the planet, I’m here to help you do that.
Originally from the Netherlands, I live with my husband in a UNESCO biosphere reserve in the beautiful mountains of Andorra.
I’m a beginning trail runner and cyclist, and I love hiking, skiing and snowshoeing. I practice vipassana meditation, and not a day goes by that I don’t write, draw or paint in my nature journal about what’s happening in our slightly wild and overgrown garden and the fields and forests around me.
My career has been eclectic, from teaching at a school for kids with learning challenges to leading teams in online marketing and big tech companies in Europe, Asia and the USA until I found my calling as a coach.
I hold an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology with a focus on ecopsychology, an MA in Finnish Language and Culture, and an MA in European Studies. I’m part of the Climate Reality Leadership Corps and the Climate Coaching Alliance, and have participated in several Climathons.
If you think I might be able to help you in any way or you want to talk more, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or email me at loes@loes.eco.