POWER OF THE OCEAN

We got a chance to sit down with Beauty and Style Director Lisa Oxenham, who travelled to Maldives and got to meet Jean-Michel Cousteau.

Q1. Jean-Michel Cousteau is the French oceanographic explorer, environmentalist, educator and film producer, who has tirelessly continued the work of his legendary father Jacques. You recently travelled to the Maldives to meet him and learn about his life’s work – his passion and drive is infectious, in a few words could you describe your encounter.

It was such a privilege to meet Jean Michel. Not only did he reignite my fascination for marine life, but he also inspired my new approach to communicating and connecting others with the wonders of the marine world and the universe they live in. Jean-Michel’s words will stick with me - particularly our dependence on that water system for the quality of our lives. “There’s only one water system. When you see the snow, that’s the ocean. When you drink a glass of water, you’re drinking the ocean.”

Just try watching one of his films and not coming away fascinated. One of his great skills is the ability to put humanity into the marine world.

Many of us would like to know and do more about protecting our oceans, but can often feel overwhelmed – how did it feel to be able to sit with and listen to the voice of one man with vast knowledge and deep respect for our oceans?

Not only is Jean-Michel a complete expert in his field, but he truly does love the ocean and his job - it's almost impossible not to be inspired by his passion. He made me realise that none of us can deny responsibility for climate change and that everybody should be aware of what is happening to the ocean. We’re in this together whether we realise it or not.

Land, water, environmental responsibility and culture - whilst bearing in mind that oceanography is a vast topic, what in his message was most impactful?

His passion for educating children - based on the frightening disconnection between nature and children.

Besides the responsibility of awareness about what is happening to our seas, would you say that it begins with teaching children to nurture respect and deep connection to the species that live beneath the surface (from plankton through to blue whales)? And ultimately to how everything is connected?

I love the saying: The kids of today will be the adults of tomorrow. It’s important for the future of our planet to start helping our children cultivate a natural interest and enthusiasm for sustainability and ocean life. Jean-Michel said that the amazing thing with kids is they are like sponges, and anything you make available to them — provided it’s not boring — they are unbelievably stimulated by and they’ll remember forever. I have a daughter, and I’d like her to have the same privilege in nature that I had when I was her age.

You are on the Advisory Board for the British Beauty Council’s Sustainable Beauty Coalition along with inspirational business leaders to champion social and environmental responsibility in business, with the aim to accelerate the sustainability efforts of the industry and support the government agenda in the race to net zero. Can you tell us about some of the ways in which you address these causes in your professional life?

I’m working on a new column for Marie Claire (UK) called In The loop - which will be highlighting beauty sustainability advancements. This will allow us to better understand the industry and the environment we’re connected to. We need to understand this first and then we can all work together to help protect the planet. We should never stop learning.

I try to do the following as a journalist and consultant in the beauty industry:

• Mainstream sustainability - for too long it’s been an afterthought so I’m talking about it as much as I can.

• Collective action - making it everyone's responsibility.

• Inspire and give positive energy around sustainability.

• Education is key and I’m a firm believer that knowledge is power.

• Nobody has all the answers. The rate of change is so fast that it’s inevitable that people will get it wrong.

• We have to act on this together - let’s act collectively and be the change we want to see in the world.

Things are changing fast, and I believe that we can use that technology to inform people. We’re not there to blame them, we’re there to help and educate. Remember this from JM: Never point a finger at somebody. That’s how you can eliminate this defence mechanism that most people have. Sit down, have a dialogue, and try to find solutions together. It works.

Whilst it often feels like a drop in the ocean, how important is it for us as individuals to always opt for sustainable products?

This has to be about collective action.

I think about what we don’t see that goes down the plughole and try to use biodegradable products.

I also try not to use single use plastic wherever possible. I know it sounds huge, but it starts with every one of us, and we can do a little bit at a time.

We all need to be better managers of the resources which keep us alive. Whether it has to do with the products we buy, the use of electricity or switching to solar panels. There are many little things that everybody can do, and at the end of the month, you’re saving money and you’re helping the environment.

Going forward, what challenging/dynamic/promising projects are happening in the style and beauty sector?

There is a lot going on - it’s a really exciting time. I love bringing brand stories to life if they have a sustainable angle. For me loving nature has fed a lifelong love of wandering and exploring the world. Curiosity drives the feet as much as it does the mind. No one will protect what they don’t care about and no one will care about what they have never experienced