[Traduction : EPALE France]

You created an agency dedicated to the ecological transition, Objective Zero. How did it come about?

Alice Isaac: I am 30 years old, I come from Grenoble and I live in Annecy. For my studies, I did a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Foreign Languages. Even then, I wanted to learn about other countries and cultures! I went on to do a Master’s degree in Sustainable Tourism Management, which at the time was a niche sector. After a number of jobs in the hotel, property and retail industries, I reconnected with my love of the environment, which took up a large part of my life outside work, and I decided to retrain in a profession with an impact. I set up an agency raising awareness of the major challenges of the ecological transition, with a particular focus on frugality: Objective Zero.

What form does this awareness-raising work take?

Alice Isaac: I set up this agency with an associate, Benjamin de Molliens, who is an eco-adventurer, meaning that he applies ecological principles to his sporting adventures, for example an “Expedition Zero” in which he aims for zero waste, zero carbon and zero new materials. He travels through countries on foot, running, cycling, sailing or skiing. He organises conferences in companies, local authorities and grandes écoles to inspire people and tell new adventure stories. As for me, I run awareness-raising workshops, for example in the form of team building to help people understand an environmental issue in a way that also shows the benefits that frugality can bring us, which are known as co-benefits.

I have trained in many fresks. I find that these are effective tools for creating links between people on divisive issues: I run the climate, digital and circular economy fresks, as well as the sexism fresk, because all these issues are so closely linked.

You are also very involved at the local level... What are your commitments?

Alice Isaac: I am also vice-president of the Young Economic Chamber of Annecy. This is an incubator for citizens who are leaders and who carry out projects with a positive impact in the region, that meet the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals. I am also part of a collective that is working on a project to create an eco-site in Savoie. I live in a 14m2 “tiny house”, embodying this simplicity in my private life as much as possible.

What is your link with Europe?

Alice Isaac: My interest in Europe began with my Bachelor’s degree. I then went on the Erasmus+ programme to study in Spain for a year. I have very fond memories of this year and it helped me to grow in every way... I’m an Erasmus+ ambassador! Whenever I get the opportunity, I try to convince those around me that it’s an adventure they will never regret. I also did a work placement in Italy. In my private life, I’ve travelled all over Europe by train. I’ve made several trips with the Interail European pass, to Scandinavia, and even around Italy.

What led you to join the experts at EPALE?

Alice Isaac: Last year, I met a journalist who was herself an expert on the platform. She couldn’t continue her mission and told me about it. My environmental awareness has made me constantly look for new information and new initiatives to share with my friends and family. I also have a passion for writing: I manage a LinkedIn page for my agency on which I share ecological initiatives and victories by everyday citizens in environmental causes. Her proposal fulfilled both my passions.

What projects are you planning with EPALE?

Alice Isaac: I would like to highlight events that can inspire people. I find it energising to see what is being done elsewhere, and would like to act as a spokesperson for such initiatives and prioritise meeting people who are running really interesting projects that are flying under the radar. I have started interviewing people with projects that deserve to be publicised. There is nothing better than meeting people as a way of being positively influenced. 

On Tuesday, I met with two nurses who go into classrooms to explain the health consequences of global warming, such as air pollution, and who offer solutions, such as protecting the environment and especially forests, a resource for forest therapy. I am very interested in the social co-benefits of changing our habits, particularly with regard to health, a unifying issue that concerns everyone. I would also like to interview the directors of the eco-design agency Mooxy, which is connected to the Business Climate Convention network. 

I am a great believer in international cooperation, in seizing initiatives to duplicate them and see them spread. This helps to accelerate the transition, scaling up to be more effective. These initiatives are developed according to the region where they are implemented, which is stimulating. My aim is to inspire people to embrace opportunities for action and realise that the ecological transition is not about deprivation or punishment, but can be a source of joy. This is what drives me.