014 Andy Sward: Walking Across Canada to Collect One Million Bottles

Thinking Off-Piste

Andy talks to Becky about his inspiring journey across Canada, as he sets out on his mission to clean up one million bottles. After 35 years in the hospitality industry, Andy witnessed a large volume of food waste and lack of recycling and wanted to do something about it. Having cycled across Canada in 1998 and with multiple marathons under his belt, Andy had always dreamt of running across Canada.

In 2013 Andy’s dream came true as he embarked on his 9,000km(!) run across Canada with minimal carbon footprint to promote the 3 R’s; reduce, reuse, recycle. The moment he set off he noticed a staggering amount of litter along the Trans-Canada Highway and began picking it up as he went. It was a life-changing moment – Andy had never felt so fulfilled before, and he was hungry for more.

Andy is a proud Canadian, nature-lover and outdoor enthusiast who has set himself a goal to collect one million bottles in order to keep Canada beautiful and inspire others to do the same. Hear about Andy’s epic journey so far – where he’s travelled, the friends he’s made along the way and how many bottles he’s collected to date. Andy is a modest man who has never sought any sponsorship – he runs for the joy of making a difference and meeting other inspiring like-minded people along the way.

Follow his updates: @millionbottlepledge / Million Bottle Pledge on Facebook
Hosted by: @beckylucyking
Photo credit: @shawspotlight - check out their video on Andy’s Million Bottle Pledge

Thinking Off-Piste is brought to you by Mabey Ski, a Whistler-based adventure ski company creating bucket list ski trips across the globe. If you’re looking to get off the beaten track and away from the crowds, head over to mabeyski.com to discover what lies beyond your lift pass.