Advocating for a Plastic-Free World:
Introducing the Face Behind Seas & Straws

Hey there, fellow eco warrior!

I am Jana - dedicated consultant, uncompromising animal lover, passionate ocean lover, tireless eco-warrior, serial traveler.

My Origins Story: The Road That Led Me Here

Jana Koebel Consultant 7

I have always traveled the world, and during my studies I went abroad for the first time for an extended stay. It seemed only logical that after graduation I gained a foothold in the international business world.

For 10 years, I worked for several global market leaders in various European countries, including in France for the French government, in Ireland for a global logistics company, and in Brussels for one of the largest orange juice producers in the world. After a merger, my company moved to Vienna, where I was happy to accompany them. I worked in sales for eight years before returning to Germany, where I joined the central purchasing department at the headquarters of one of the country's largest fruit juice manufacturers.

Quality, professionalism, and perfectionism are attributes I bring with me from the business world, along with impeccable customer service in dealing with diverse cultures around the world. 

In 2018 then, I decided to follow my heart and a new chapter began...

FROM BOARDROOMS TO BEACHES: HOW THIS CORPORATE EXPAT BECAME AN ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVIST

Jana Koebel Consultant 3

All my life, travel has been at the core of my being.

By now, I have traveled to more than 30 countries. I have seen almost every European country, longer trips took me to Africa, Central America, the US, Indonesia, the Caribbean, the Maldives, and many more. At the moment I divide my time between Panama, Germany and my extensive travels.

I have always had a deep love for the world’s beauty and all life within it. To me, there was nothing more powerful than standing next to the ocean on a sandy beach. With the sun on my skin, the sand on my feet, and the sea salt in my hair, I truly felt at home.

I have seen a lot on my travels. The plastic problem became increasingly obvious over the years, and although I didn't initially understand the health and ecological consequences of plastic pollution, I realized more and more that we are heading for one of the biggest environmental disasters of our time.

So in 2018, while volunteering with a marine conservation organization in Mauritius, I founded Seas & Straws. Since that day, I have made it my mission to eliminate single-use plastic from our lives. By educating my readers about the environmental and health impacts of plastic, and by promoting a plastic-free, zero waste lifestyle, I hope to change our thinking and understanding of today's throwaway society.

At the time of writing this, Seas & Straws has 140 pages full of knowledge and information about plastic, zero waste alternatives, sustainable hotels and travels, and even an eco-friendly online store. Just use the search bar on the top right to find what you are looking for.

Transforming Hospitality: Leading Hotels Into a Sustainable (and profitable) Future

In 2022, I trained with Oceanic Global to become an independent and accredited plastic-free consultant. As such, I advise small hotels, boutique hotels and guesthouses worldwide on how to reduce their environmental footprint, improve the sustainability of their operations and make a measurable impact to protect our blue planet. I do this either via zoom as a 1-on-1 training or in person at the premises as an all-inclusive, done-for-you service. You can read more about my service here. 

Collaborations: Joining Forces to Amplify Impact

Apart from helping hotels to become sustainable, I have also formed a couple of exciting partnerships.

One of them is the Rotary Club of Newport Beach, with which I am working on a number of very exciting projects (more on that soon). Rotary gives me a wonderful opportunity to increase my reach and pursue my mission on a much larger scale.

Then I became a brand ambassador for Fahlo, whose beautiful natural stone bracelets help spread awareness about turtles, sharks, polar bears, penguins, elephants or lions. Each bracelet comes with a personalized animal to track on your phone, tablet, or computer. If you buy a bracelet with my coupon code SEASANDSTRAWS20, you will get 20% off!!

And last but not least, I started integrating Jungle Culture's beautiful natural coconut and bamboo products into my ever-expanding online store. Jungle Culture works with farmers and artisans in rural Vietnam who make organic coconut bowls, bamboo cutlery, safety razors, shaving soaps, wooden mugs and more. All products are made from sustainable materials and innovatively crafted. I love them!

Let's work together!

If you need help making your hotel fit for a sustainable future, call me or send me a message.

I can help you make your hotel plastic-free and sustainable, so that you can

(1) Attract a new and growing segment of travelers that prioritize eco-friendly accommodations - and are willing to pay top dollar for it.
(2) Charge higher rates and become more profitable.
(3) Attract, retain and keep your workforce happy through sustainability.
(4) Collect 5-star reviews and have your guests rave about your hotel.
(5) Seize marketing opportunities and create competitive advantages.
(6) Rebrand your hotel as an Eco Hotel or Eco Retreat.

Give me a call or send me a message and together we will figure out how we can work together. I look forward to hearing from you.


I will also continue to promote sustainable, eco-friendly hotels and brands that have developed a circular, zero-waste or zero-plastic business model, and I counsel those who have not yet achieved their goal on how to implement a plastic-free, sustainable business model in their daily operations.


Awards and Certificates

Award in Recognition of Providing Outstanding Leadership for Rotary Global Plastic-Free Environment ModelAward in Recognition of Providing Outstanding Leadership for the Rotary Global Plastic-Free Environment Model
The Inland Ocean Ambassadors ProgramThe Inland Ocean Ambassadors Program
"The Climate Forum" Attendance Certificate"The Climate Forum" Attendance Certificate