eXXpedition Round the World- Positive Ways to Deal with Plastic
Alexandra (Alex) McDonald, is passionate about making sure that more plastic than fish doesn’t end up in the ocean by 2050. Drawing on over 10 years experience working in the UK/ USA/AUS, Alex understands the role business plays in moving society away from the take, make, dispose model to a circular economy.
In May of 2020 Alex is due to take part in the all female research expedition focusing on uncovering solutions to ocean plastic pollution. The “eXXpedition Round the World” brings together women from all different backgrounds to open conversations around female leadership, personal and environmental awareness, and cultural and societal shifts.
For Alex, the eXXpedition voyage is one close to her heart. Growing up in Aotearoa New Zealand and living in Sydney, Alex has been an ocean lover since an early age. Throughout her career she has worked with organisations such as Patagonia, WWF and Mobile Muster to implement sustainable business design and effective communications.
In her current role as Head of Sustainable Business & Communications, Home Beauty & Personal Care, Unilever ANZ, Alex leads the external engagement strategy and delivery of effective communication plans to protect Unilever’s corporate reputation and demonstrate how sustainability drives business growth, less risk, less cost and more trust.
Alex has a keen understanding that there is no one silver bullet to solve the ocean plastic problem and the need for business, NGOs, government, community and academia to work together is essential.
That’s why she is particularly stoked to be joining the Tonga to Fiji leg of eXXpedition. While in the Kingdom of Tonga the crew will join local environmental group to explore the issues this magnificent island nation faces. After leading Tonga, the crew will sail for four days conducting experiments until they arrive in Fiji.
The beautiful island nation of Fiji has over 300 islands and uses between 50 and 60 million plastic bags per year. The crew of the eXXpedition hope to raise awareness of the plastic issue and inspire action with this visit.
To support Alex’s trip come along to the “Positive Ways to Deal with Plastic Pollution” Event on February 13th in Sydney.
Or check out her GoFundMe page.
To learn more about eXXpedtion follow along here.