Volunteer Spotlight - Rachael Montgomery

How long have you volunteered with SFVI?	3 years
Why did you become involved?	I was excited about getting to spend more time with like-minded people who are passionate about making change. I went to a few Chapter meetings and it was inspiring to see people volunteer their time because they are passionate about protecting our coastlines.
What are you most excited about working on with SFVI in 2017?	2017 will be the year that we see single-use plastic bags banned in Victoria! The City of Victoria is already working on a proposed transition plan for businesses, and Surfrider is helping inform and support this transition! Rise Above Plastics!!!
What’s your favourite outdoor activity?	3-way tie: Running, surfing and lying in the grass listening to the sound of nothing.
What is the #1 thing you are doing to save our oceans?	Doing everything I can to avoid plastics.
What is your #1 tip to reduce single-use plastics?	Always carry around a reusable bag with a mug or jar and a spoon in it. This prepares you to avoid the worst offenders: plastic bags, plastic bottles, to-go utensils and containers.
Name a local business or person you support because of their environmental practices.	Kaitlyn Roland and Darcy O’Neill are inspirations! They live a simple and classy lifestyle with their wee babe and not-so-wee-pooche all in 300 square feet – check out @smallswell on Instagram!.My favourite business is Spud Victoria – I love their produce and everything I get delivered comes with a record of how far each item travelled before it got to me. It’s definitely taught me to buy local and in-season!!!