Sustainability

Gef’s 30 Under 30 Winners: Q&A with Mariella Craig

Published

3 years ago

11/05/2023

Gef The Mongoose

Ten categories. Thirty young visionaries making their mark on the Isle of Man. Introducing the all-new #Gef30Under30 winners: the next generation of our island’s leaders.

The Isle of Man Energy Sustainability winners are taking care of the planet and taking names. They are optimistic about our island’s future, as long as we all start with small positive changes.

What is your name and age?

Mariella Craig, age 20.

Job title or role in the community?

I’m a student, environmental volunteer, and Recycle Collect operative.

Current organisation, business or employer?

Uni of Leeds, Recycle Collect Limited, Utmost International, UNESCO Biosphere and Manx Wildlife Trust.

How did you start your career or role in the community?

I am currently on a year out from studying for a geography degree at the University of Leeds. In the spring of last year, I returned back to the island following the passing of my Dad who suffered a short illness with cancer. This unexpected whirlwind put me in a position where I suddenly had a lot of time on my hands. I started researching the environmental scene on the island to see what was happening around me and quickly decided I wanted to use the time I had to help.

In one sentence, summarise your journey so far as a young and successful person under 30.

My journey so far has had its challenges, but I’m excited to see what the future holds.

Tell us about your business/industry, is there something interesting about it that most people wouldn’t expect?

All glass collected by Recycle Collect is recycled on the island. This is great as it reduces transport emissions. Hopefully one day we will have the facilities to recycle more items than just glass.

Tell us about why you think you won the category you did?

One of the first projects I came across was UNESCO Biosphere. I was interested to learn what they were doing to encourage sustainability on the island and I decided to offer my help. I soon got involved with the Refill IOM project. This project was all about encouraging the use of reusable items such as water bottles, travel mugs, carrier bags etc, to reduce the island’s plastic waste. The project has well over one hundred refill stations spread across the island. This includes cafes, shops, etc, who are all on board with the mission to protect our unique biosphere by providing, promoting and encouraging a refill service.

A few months later I stumbled across this crazy lady on the internet talking about her mission to improve the rates of recycling on the island. I thought this was a difficult but fantastic task to try and take on and I was really inspired by her enthusiasm. After living in the UK for two years prior, recycling had become a natural habit of mine and I didn’t understand why it wasn’t a habit for everyone on the island. A few weeks later I had a phone call with Clara Issac, the crazy enthusiastic lady from the internet that ran the social enterprise, RecycleCollect. A few weeks down the line I found myself in a recycling van in the most fluorescent, high-visibility trousers you could imagine… working with Clara and the team. The team’s enthusiasm is infectious and I feel very lucky to have met like-minded people wanting to make a positive difference.

I also came across a survey being conducted by the Manx Wildlife Trust on upland peat. I had learnt about the benefits of peat during my degree so was intrigued by this project and offered to help out. I was taken up on the offer, got my hiking boots on, and set out with another volunteer up the hills to collect data for the survey. They are mapping peat across the island and highlighting the areas in need of restoration. Peat is an amazing carbon store so it is essential we look after it.

More recently I got involved in a charity challenge held by Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. I completed 100 miles of walking within the month of March in memory of my Dad to try and raise awareness and money for the charity. I was over the moon with the support received. I formed a team with two of my cousins and we raised £1,745. I have entered the Parish Walk in June to raise money for Hospice IOM and have many other charity challenges in mind for the future.

Who are your role models, either on-island or off, in your sector or outside of it?

I feel very grateful to have met some really inspiring people this year. I’d have to say the girls I work with have been amazing cheerleaders and role models for me.