Leigh Maynard

Tell us a little about yourself, why you chose your career path

I'm Leigh Maynard, hailing from the home counties; I'm a lover of and now living in London, where I work as a fashion journalist and a copywriter. I've always had a penchant for playful prose and the splendour of storytelling. And when I'm not at my keyboard, you'll probably find me dancing to Jazz somewhere in deepest darkest Soho. 

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What is your role at Sustainability Champions, and why do you love working here?

Over the years, my journalism and copywriting jobs have focused on sustainability, an area close to my heart. So, I was delighted to join Sustainability Champions as a copywriter, working as part of a like-minded team with a positive mission to highlight the fantastic work of people across the globe doing their bit for the planet.

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What song best describes your work ethic?

Well, it has to be a jazz tune, so I'll say Hard Work by John Handy! 

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Tell us one Sustainability Champion you admire and why?

In this case, I must pick two; I am in awe of my nephews, Harry, and Archie, who, at the tender ages of 6 and 8, decided to act to ‘untrash’ the planet when they realized the extent of plastic pollution in our oceans. With the help of their dad Nik, they started Good Citizens. 

Good Citizens upcycle single-use plastic bottles before they reach our oceans and landfill and turn them into beautifully designed, sustainably made sunglasses. Harry and Archie prevent 10kg of carbon from reaching the earth's atmosphere with each pair of sunglasses sold. They've even been invited to speak on a panel at the UN's Global Impact Conference about transparent supply chains - enough said!

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What's one thing you've changed about your lifestyle lately in the name of sustainability

Having a passion for fashion can mean looking too much at the latest trends, but I have started to shop less and style existing pieces more to make a positive impact against the demand for throw-away fashion. 

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If you could be the best in the world at something, what would it be?

I would say I'd love to be the best writer, but dancing is my greatest love, so I'll say that!

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If you were famous, what would your stage name be?

Kaycee Rice - only because she is probably the best dancer out there, so I'd be her - sorry, Kaycee, your stage name is mine!

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