014 Andy Sward: Walking Across Canada to Collect One Million Bottles

08/29/21 • 54 min

Andy talks to Becky about his inspiring journey across Canada, as he sets out on his mission to clean up one million bottles. After 35 years in the hospitality industry, Andy witnessed a large volume of food waste and lack of recycling and wanted to do something about it. Having cycled across Canada in 1998 and with multiple marathons under his belt, Andy had always dreamt of running across Canada.

In 2013 Andy’s dream came true as he embarked on his 9,000km(!) run across Canada with minimal carbon footprint to promote the 3 R’s; reduce, reuse, recycle. The moment he set off he noticed a staggering amount of litter along the Trans-Canada Highway and began picking it up as he went. It was a life-changing moment – Andy had never felt so fulfilled before, and he was hungry for more.

Andy is a proud Canadian, nature-lover and outdoor enthusiast who has set himself a goal to collect one million bottles in order to keep Canada beautiful and inspire others to do the same. Hear about Andy’s epic journey so far – where he’s travelled, the friends he’s made along the way and how many bottles he’s collected to date. Andy is a modest man who has never sought any sponsorship – he runs for the joy of making a difference and meeting other inspiring like-minded people along the way.

Follow his updates: @millionbottlepledge / Million Bottle Pledge on Facebook
Hosted by: @beckylucyking
Photo credit: @shawspotlight - check out their video on Andy’s Million Bottle Pledge

Thinking Off-Piste is brought to you by Mabey Ski, a Whistler-based adventure ski company creating bucket list ski trips across the globe. If you’re looking to get off the beaten track and away from the crowds, head over to mabeyski.com to discover what lies beyond your lift pass.

Follow his updates: @millionbottlepledge / Million Bottle Pledge on Facebook
Hosted by: @beckylucyking
Photo credit: @shawspotlight - check out their video on Andy’s Million Bottle Pledge

Previous Episode

013: Tom Grant: IFMGA Guide Skiing First Descents Around the World

Steep skier, climber and IFMGA Mountain Guide Tom Grant shares his first-hand experience of skiing first descents all over the world. From technical lines in Baffin Island, BC to one of the world’s largest previously un-skied lines in New Zealand, Tom loves to push his boundaries and take on extreme descents. Hear about Tom's back-up plans for when things go wrong in the mountains and learn how to reach your optimum performance through flow state.

As an IFGMA mountain guide, Tom holds the highest level of certification worldwide and is part the only association permitted to work in the European Alps. Based out of Chamonix Tom specialises in alpine climbing, rock climbing, backcountry skiing, freeride, steep skiing and offers custom guiding for all abilities and aspirations.

Follow Tom's updates: tomgrant.guide / @tom_grant_
Hosted by: @beckylucyking

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015 Max Campbell: Sailing Across the Atlantic & Wild Swimming

Max Campbell is a sailor from Cornwall who left his hometown of Falmouth at the age of 20 on a 22 ft wooden boat named Flying Cloud. Over the next two years, he sailed single-handed across the Atlantic to the Caribbean, and back again to the UK the following year. The journey encountered phenomenal highs and devastating lows. Max ended up in hospital for four days for treatment after his paraffin stove exploded during rough weather. The accident happened when he was just 150 miles from his final destination of Grenada and the explosion set him alight. He managed to put the fire out on Flying Cloud, treat his burns, which covered most of his upper torso, and sail for another 30 hours before he reached land. Since then, Max has restored the 37 ft yacht, Elixir and is planning to sail around the world, surfing, and sharing the sailing experience with as many people as he goes.

Max learnt to sail when he was just four years old, after his step-dad gave him a little wooden dinghy with yellow sails to sail around Bristol Harbour. It was in those murky brown waters where Max first connected with the ocean – the simplicity and endless possibility of adventure made it extremely exciting. Max is currently in Colombia, travelling west to transit the Panama Canal and working on a collaborative project with a group of friends — Wild Swimming Cornwall — which aims to promote the mental and physical benefits of cold seawater.

Follow Max's updates: @un.tide on Instagram / @un.tied on Tik Tok
Hosted by: @beckylucyking