Hey there, fellow eco-warrior

I am Jana. Grant Writer, Plastic Consultant, Traveler, Nomad, Animal Lover, Eco-Warrior.

Who I am ...

Jana Koebel @ Seas & Straws

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.

By now, I have traveled to more than 25 countries. I have seen almost every European country, longer trips took me to Africa, Central America, Indonesia, and the Caribbean where I quickly became aware of the world’s beauty. 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.

What I do ...

Jana Portrait oceans conference

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 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 promoting plastic-free products and spreading knowledge and awareness about the environmental and health impacts of plastic, I hope to change our thinking and understanding of today's throwaway society.

At the time of writing this, Seas & Straws has 96 sub-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.

As of this year, I am also an independent accredited Blue Consultant for Oceanic Global. In this capacity, I advise hotels, resorts, restaurants and offices on how to reduce single-use plastic, improve the sustainability of their operations and make a measurable impact to protect our blue planet.

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 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 promoting plastic-free products and spreading knowledge and awareness about the environmental and health impacts of plastic, I hope to change our thinking and understanding of today's throwaway society.

At the time of writing this, Seas & Straws has 120 sub-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.

As of this year, I am also an independent accredited Blue Consultant for Oceanic Global. In this capacity, I advise hotels, resorts, restaurants and offices on how to reduce single-use plastic, improve the sustainability of their operations and make a measurable impact to protect our blue planet.

Collaborations

Apart from becoming an Environmental Consultant for Oceanic Global, I have also formed a couple of exciting partnerships.

One of them is the Rotary Club of Newport Beach, with whom 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!

Seas & Straws. Jana and her Partners

I will continue to promote sustainable, eco-friendly lodging and resort, as well as businesses 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, circular business model in their daily operations.

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.

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