Kleri Downward

Whilst growing up in Athens, Kleri spent two months of every year on the Cycladic island of Paros which quickly became her chosen home.

At 18, Kleri travelled to Boston where she studied Community Health and Child Development at Tufts University - she quickly developed an interest in the intersection between health and social & environmental justice.

On her return to Paros, she met with Zana and felt invigorated by the work that needed to be done to tackle plastic pollution on Paros and across the globe. Soon after, Kleri started her Common Seas voyage by volunteering on the marine audits and tote-bag workshops.

She soon joined as a permanent crew member and is currently leading Business Engagement on the island, supporting them to reduce their use of single use plastic and encouraging circular methods of resource management.

During breaks from the laptop screen, Kleri loves to swim and spend time by the sea. Her new ‘zero waste’ hobbies include making handmade soaps, toothpaste, deodorant and candles.