This week we meet eco loving Sarah Spencer and find out why less really can be more!
Why Spain?
I’ve always loved Spain and its rich culture, language, food and weather! I’d wanted to live here for a long time, but the time was finally right in February 2008. I’d been visiting Spain twice a year for the 6 years preceding the move so knew it would be Andalucia we would settle in.
Where are you based and why should we move there too?
I have moved between the Cádiz and Málaga province a few times, living 6 years in Jimena de la Frontera, but I now live in Casares Costa and have done for the last 5 years. I like the life on the coast better than in the pueblos because there is more of an international atmosphere and more access to a variety of events and activities.
What was the biggest challenge for your move to Spain and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was maintaining what we had come here to achieve – a better quality of living and less of the “rat race” – without too quickly slipping into rat race living again. Both my husband and I quickly found work but I turned down a job in Gibraltar in order to fulfill a more relaxed pace of life while setting up my first business.
How do you spend your days?
I now spend my days very busily! But still maintaining a good life/work balance. I work full time from home for a UK market research company, but I also run the online store Eco Passion – a shop dedicated to helping people reduce their use of plastic and live a more sustainable and zero waste lifestyle. I have an 8 year old son and we love to get out into the campo or beach for long walks and picnics, we also do beach cleans in the local area. I practise yoga and meditation at home, and have recently taken up mountain biking again.
Something you are grateful for?
I am grateful for so many things during these Covid days. Namely: Having a harmonious home life, having a job and a form of income, having green space around our home in which we can spend time, having a dog so we could legitimately go out when there was a full lockdown! Having a son who is resilient and adaptable and has shown great courage and wisdom in these times.
If you arranged a dinner party who would you invite and why?
Ooh this would be amazing to do in real life! I would invite David Attenborough, Jane Goodall, Greta Thunberg, Lauren Singer, Justin Sullivan, Eddie Vedder, PJ Harvey, Joni Mitchell. We would of course talk about saving the planet, music, poetry, feminism, activism etc.
What is your secret weapon?
Finding happiness in the small things
One thing you had to bring with you to Spain was …?
I came to Spain with very little and try and keep it that way
Favourite childhood book?
The Enormous Crocodile, because I just used to love the way my dad read it to me and my sister. It’s slightly sinister but there is perfect retribution too. I reckon it subconsiously taught me that we should always be responsible for our actions.
One thing you are most looking forward to?
Seeing my sister and TRAVELLING again, but most of all, going to see live music or to a festival and stand singing with 100s of likeminded people.
Something you would tell your younger self is?
Keep painting, don’t give up on your art, don’t be so shy, stand by your convictions and question EVERYTHING
Where can we find out more?
www.ecopassion.es
facebook/twitter/instagram are all @ecopassionspain
Thank you Sarah!
Great interview with a lovely lady!