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Inconversation with: Brinkley Davies

They say to follow your heart, which in Brinkley Davies’ case has led her to big things – the oceans, for one. A marine biologist and environmental conservationist, Brinkley devotes her days to making the earth a healthier place through her foundation Balu Blue and her everyday eco-friendly habits. Our kinda girl. Read our interview and get inspired below.

Tell us about growing up near the ocean.

I was lucky enough to grow up in coastal South Australia with endless empty beaches, so much marine life and perfect waves with my friends and family. Growing up near the ocean was something that inspired me on many levels – it was my playground as a kid, as a teenager, and now as an adult. I always wanted to learn more about it and do what I can to protect it.

When did you know you wanted to study Marine Biology?

Actually really early on. I remember writing Marine Biologist as my career goals on a piece of paper when I just started school. It became more and more clear to me as I grew up that the path I wanted was studying the ocean, and conserving it, which leads me to now.

 

What are the little things you do each day to live an eco-friendly lifestyle?

First of all, I am completely vegan and have been for nine years. This cuts out so much crap in your daily routine that is harmful to the planet. Did you know animal agriculture does more harm to our atmosphere than the entire transport industry? Those statistics blew my mind when I first went vegan.

Also, I do my best to not use plastics – especially the single-use stuff that is so ridiculously used and wasted everyday, like plastic straws, coffee cups, plastic water bottles, plastic bags, you name it. I use a Keep Cup, I carry a stainless steel straw in my handbag and my steel water bottle!

I also use a skincare range which is 100% Australian and organic. A lot of people don’t realise but what you use to wash your hair and skin can be really harmful to the planet. Microbeads are the devil! They get washed down the drain and end up in our waterways and oceans and in the stomachs of beautiful marine life. They’re one of the many microplastics we cannot see that does the most harm.

Whose work is currently inspiring you?

Hmmm, that’s a hard one, I am inspired by many people daily and it’s always changing. Two big inspirations that I have are Jane Goodall and David Attenborough, who are both incredible in their areas and have inspired a generation of people who care for the planet. More recently, I am so inspired by Leonardo DiCaprio. I love it when people use their fame and their brains to stand up for real issues. I think that “Before The Flood” was a huge movement that opened up the eyes of millions to what we are doing to the planet and how you can change that.