Sustainable Voices: Ambre van de Berg

Welcome to our Sustainable Voices series, where we speak to leaders working to make the world a better place about their passions, projects, and more.

Who, What, Where?

I’m Ambre, a Dutch native and citizen of the world. I’m a lightworker, yoga teacher, big-dream chaser, and make-it-happen coordinator. I travel the world for a living, and for personal growth. I get out of bed every day with hope for our world because I believe in the power of awareness, community, and love. Do you want to plan an epic event? I’m your girl. Step by step and with a smile, we can all be the change. Everything I create or coordinate includes 2 of my essential elements: dance parties and self-evolution. I spend my time between Amsterdam, Aruba and New York. I host and curate humanitarian and wellness events around the globe with people who care and want to learn and do good to the environment. Unfortunately, I have to give in and travel a lot. BUT it’s all about YOU DO YOU we are all making a difference in our own way so a big high five to all the vegans out there who fly every week. To the meat-eaters who only shop locally, to the recyclers who have long showers. To all of you keep doing what you can.

What was your a-ha moment that made you become engaged in sustainability?

Since I was a kid I walked the doors in by street asking the neighbors for a donation to save the polar bears and Elephants. I even adopted an elephant called KIBO every month I received a postcard from him (or the organization ) It runs in my veins to do this work and to make others aware. I think my a-Ha moment was when I was born into this wonderful world.

What is your single best tip for someone who wants to do more for the environment on a personal level?

environment on a personal level? I’m the wellness curator of 109world. And We run volunteer and yoga retreats! We change the world one destination at a time while nourishing our own health. We have restored a school in Marrakech a refugee camp in Greece and build a dog shelter on one of the Caribbean islands and build a turtle sanctuary in Mexico

What do you think will be the legacy of your generation?

I’m still positive more and more people see the beauty in this world and embrace the change that is needed. We are just with A lot of / too many people on this planet. I know we have a long way to go and don’t have much time. But I’m surrounded by amazing people who believe in the good of this world so I would like to point them out and tell the youngsters that the revolution has begun.

What is the most critical technological breakthrough that needs to happen for the world to reach the 1,5 degree goal?

Less waste, A more simple lifestyle, recycle more and less consuming. For example, I have resigned myself to a life of non-ownership, abandoning the dream of most of my friends, parents and grandparents and great-grandparents before them, out of financial/environmental necessity. But it isn’t just a matter of necessity these days. It actually becomes posh and it’s a cool way to avoid mass production. Recording The NY Times It’s a new, trendy, and growing way of consuming. “My mentality to currently rent — it’s not YOLO. It’s more living in the present as much as planning for the future because I feel like nothing is guaranteed.” I like that you could pick up and move if I wanted, no moving trucks required. I rent clothes, houses, Bikes, Share houses, Cars etc.

In your industry, what do you think will be the most groundbreaking change over the next 10 years?

Travel to learn, educate and share knowledge. Travel more conscious and go to hotels that give back to the environment, local community and offers local products but mostly sharing and exchanging houses will continue to grow! Sharing is caring ;)

Which brand (in general) do you think is at the forefront when it comes to sustainability?

I see a lot of smaller companies and communities making the big change and being creative but the bigger corporate companies seem to stay way behind. I personally love Airbnb, Tesla and Patagonia. I appreciate how they as a corporate company and popular brand stay focused on the climate, wellbeing of people while being innovating and profitable

What makes you climate positive about the future?

My collaboration with Chooose.Today, my 95% vegan lifestyle and 100% vegetarian. My motivation to rent clothing and second-hand furniture. I don’t own a car but rent a car whenever I need one. My always to go water bottle and cutlery, straws and continue to include sustainability solutions and education into the community trips I host around the world

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Our existence on this planet is truly against all odds.. Everything is connected and co-depending it’s spiritual it’ science it’s a damn fact. We need to find balance and give as much as we take on a personal level and business and nature wise. This planet has so many beautiful tools and things to give, we humans are magical in our own way and can use our power so we all can benefit from it. I see many companies who are so creative and working together with nature rather than against it. Find that connection with nature and you will find your true self. I believe in humans, animals, mother earth and everything beyond.