Riding the Great Wave: A Bold Vision for a Plastic-Free BVI
Planting trees at the Green VI Eco Park on Virgin Gorda with the Maverick1000 Necker crew
In March of 2024, I met the extraordinary Green VI, an organization whose vision is for a green, clean, healthy BVI—balancing the conservation of natural resources with thoughtful development. Their mission is to demonstrate, facilitate, and catalyze environmentally friendly systems through practical projects, education, and innovation, with a focus on waste, energy, and water. And they’ve been successfully doing just that since 2009.
Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of coaching the leadership team at Green VI and supporting them through some of the growing pains that come with the evolution of any purpose-driven organization. And honestly, it feels like we’re just getting started.
Last month, I had the opportunity to return to the British Virgin Islands as part of Maverick1000’s annual Necker Island Impact Experience! Alongside the BVI Impact group and their under-30 Maverick Next crew, we answered the invitation to join a group of Mavericks on Necker Island to catch our 'next great wave.' Yanik Silver, Sophia Umanski, and their 'Team Green' are exponential connectors who are catalyzing the catalysts and bringing together entrepreneurs and visionary leaders committed to their 3 core pillars of Growth, Impact, and Fun. Basically, evolving themselves, making a difference in the world through business, and having fun in the process.
“Your great wave is awaiting your greatest service to the collective.”
— Yanik Silver
The theme of this year’s Maverick1000 was 'Your Great Wave Awaits,' so the Impact focus was all around water. The initiative included raising awareness and funds for Green VI to purchase an Air-to-Water Generator. A permanent magnetic generator will eventually power this. This system will provide access to clean, safe, mineralized water, beginning with Virgin Gorda. Charlotte, Sarah, and Dylan did a fabulous job leading conversations and brainstorming what’s possible in bringing this idea to life. And together, with the support of Maverick1000, we raised $60,000 to help Green VI take a major step forward in making this vision real, starting with an Air to Water Generator for Virgin Gorda.
With the Green VI Leadership Team, after raising $60K with Maverick1000 on Necker Island.
During the impact sessions, we explored bold, creative strategies for using this technology, especially how to eliminate single-use plastic on the islands. With a population of just under 39,000 people, combined with cruise ships, tourism, and the unique challenges hurricanes bring, single-use plastic has become an overwhelming issue in the BVI.
Click the photos to enlarge.
This brings me to a timely reminder. Earth Day is April 22, and this year’s theme—“Our Power. Our Planet.”—couldn’t be more aligned with what we’re building together. It’s a call to recognize the influence we hold, especially as leaders, to create meaningful, lasting change. And while one day of awareness is powerful, what if we allowed this mindset to guide our choices, both personal and professional, year-round?
So I invite you to join me in a bold vision, starting with this:
IMAGINE A WORLD WITHOUT SINGLE-USE PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES.
Now, imagine just one of these islands free from them. Just one. It’s possible. And from that single shift, we can begin to create exponential impact.
In the BVI, many homes and businesses rely on rainwater catchment or desalinated water systems that, while resourceful, depend on electricity. When hurricanes strike and power is lost, fresh water is often shipped in by the pallet, packaged in single-use plastic bottles. It’s not just inconvenient—it’s unsustainable. Over time, it clogs landfills, pollutes the ocean, and creates dependence on external rescue rather than internal resilience.
Eliminating single-use plastic water bottles challenges us. It asks us to rethink our habits, our supply chains, and how we show up as stewards of the communities and environments we serve. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. It’s about leaders taking small, intentional steps that ripple outward into something much greater.
Click the photos to enlarge.
So we start with one island.
Then one community.
Then one company’s choice is to install a refill station or shift its purchasing habits.
And before long, we’re not just imagining a better future—we’re building it.
As leaders, we’re not only growing successful organizations—we’re shaping the kind of world we want to live in. The real work is in aligning our values with our impact. That’s the power we hold. That’s the opportunity we have.
As I mentioned, this is just the beginning.
And let’s not forget that we learn best when we’re having fun!
Click the photos to enlarge.
With love and lots of cheer for the future,
Marlene
Fundamental of the Week #24: ASSUME POSITIVE INTENT
Work from the assumption that people are good, fair, and honest. Set aside your own judgments or preconceived notions, and give people the benefit of the doubt. Look for the positive intent in their actions and communications.
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