About Mao Suzuki- head of refill shop

As a Global Development and Media student at the University of East Anglia, I've studied environmental degradation, humanitarian crises, and more. Despite everything I've learned, daily life often feels disconnected from academic discussions and the urgency of the issues we study. This reality encouraged me to take action in the field of sustainability. 

As part of YCS, I'm currently working to establish a refill/zero-waste shop on the UEA campus. Our goal is to make sustainable shopping accessible, engaging, and part of everyday life. I'm deeply interested in how businesses can drive systemic change. That's why I aim to train and work as a sustainability consultant. I also hope to expand the impact of YCS not only in the UK but also among students in Japan. 

I am passionate about making sustainable living and circular economies the norm. As an international student from Japan, I've witnessed first-hand the impacts of excessive consumerism and careless consumption. These experiences sparked by interest in shifting lifestyles and consumer habits by educating people through shopping. I'm especially interested in how we can inspire people, showing that pursuing an environmentally friendly and sustainable society benefits everyone, including in terms of economics, the cost-of-living crisis, and both mental and physical health. 

My perspective is rooted in my multicultural background, from growing up in Japan, spending a year abroad in Canada during high school, to now living and studying in the UK and traveling around Europe. These experiences broadened my perspective, showing me how different societies approach sustainability and how we can learn from one another. I want to incorporate the different lessons I've learned from different countries into the community where I currently live. 

Contact Mao about supporting our refill shop: mao.youthclimatesolutions@gmail.com