Arranging luxury yacht charter vacations for celebrities and corporate titans requires Jana Sheeder to mix and mingle with the rich and famous. She frequently attends exclusive cocktail parties and special events. She can be seen, for example, at the Super Bowl and the Sony Ericsson Miami Open tennis tournament. While it sounds glamorous, Sheeder is quick to tell you she is happiest in work boots and gloves, cleaning a horse stable at an animal sanctuary.
“Arranging a Caribbean or Mediterranean yacht charter vacation on a superyacht is my vocation, but my passion is animal welfare,” says Sheeder, President and CEO of 1-800-YACHT CHARTERS.
PRESIDENT SCHEDULE
Hers is a balancing act that requires tight scheduling and unwavering commitment to protecting abused and homeless animals. A typical day begins with releasing butterflies that Jana has raised to help pollinate the environment. A bit later, business meetings and emails to prospective megayacht charter customers are underway. Throw in the occasional personal inspection of a newly built superyacht. Later in the day, Sheeder exchanges her business suit for denim, as she heads to the local animal shelter to assist in a pet adoption event.
WEEKENDS FOR JANA
Weekends are a blur, as Sheeder often volunteers to help transport 5 to 25 rescued dogs and cats to a sanctuary 100 miles away. When not transporting animals, Sheeder spends time at a horse sanctuary, feeding and caring for abused and abandoned horses. Sanctuaries also have other livestock, for instance, goats, chickens, cows, and pigs, all of which add to the work life balance for Jana.
JANA IN THE NEWS
Recently, Sheeder drew the attention of TV’s Animal Planet as well as radio, news media, and newspapers. A serial cat killing spree left over two dozen dead and mutilated cats in South Florida. Sheeder worked with local animal rights advocates to arrange a safety seminar for hundreds of residents. A suspect was arrested just three days before the seminar. Sheeder cancelled the seminar and used the allocated time to spend the day volunteering at the county animal shelter!
“It’s all about making a difference in others’ lives – human AND animal.“
The National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America has released a disturbing study detailing the threat of plastic pollution in the ocean, and its impact on seabirds. Plastic trash is found in 90 percent of seabirds. The rate is growing steadily as global production of plastics increases.
According to the Academy, the “Threat of plastic pollution to seabirds is global, pervasive, and increasing.”
AREAS OF IMPACT
The areas of impact facing the greatest threats are the southern boundary of the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans.
WHAT PLASTIC IS FOUND IN BIRDS?
Plastic found inside birds includes bottle caps, plastic shopping bags, and tiny pieces the size of rice that have been broken down by the sun and waves.
COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS
After reading the study’s abstract, Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters commented on the health impact facing the seabirds. “Living along the coast of South Florida, I have seen the small plastic pieces of plastic that wash up into our mangroves and our shoreline,” says Sheeder. “The wildlife rescue groups that we support tell us sharp-edged plastic pieces can kills birds by punching holes in their internal organs. Some seabirds eat so much plastic, there is little room in their stomachs for food. Lack of food affects their body weight and jeopardizes their health.”
WHAT DOES 2050 LOOK LIKE FOR SEABIRDS?
Sheeder echoes the concerns of scientists and environmentalists: “At current levels, virtually every seabird will be consuming plastic by 2050. If we don’t address this issue, we are looking at a major contributing factor to the possible extinction of many seabird species. We can’t let that happen.”
YACHTING INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT
Sheeder feels her yachting industry can do more in terms of effective waste management to reduce the threat. “Almost all of the yachts we represent for private yacht charter vacations have the onboard capability to generate fresh drinking water. Now, when our clients request plastic bottled water to be placed onboard prior to their charter, we encourage them to forgo plastic and drink the yacht’s purified water.”
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, cleaning plastic and debris from coastline near her home in South Florida
SHEEDER COMMENTS
Sheeder is confident the tide can be turned. “The report by the National Academy of Sciences paints a grim future. Consequently, it also points out that effective waste management can reduce the threat. Protecting our future means preserving the marine environment and promoting responsibility onboard our yachts, in the seas, and along our shores.”
SHEEDER CONTINUES
Sheeder further comments, “Everyone can do something. Even just one thing every day. It’s not hard to take that extra moment to help another. Many prefer to stick their heads in the sand rather than being role models and making a difference.”
SHEEDER ENCOURAGES OTHERS
She encourages others to be the change and leave all areas better than you found them. Additionally, pick up trash. Properly dispose of your own trash. Moreover, give back to the environment, to animals, and to others. Subsequently, practice random acts of kindness (RAK’s) to people, animals, your community, and the environment. Finally, show your #Gratitude for the beauty of the wildlife and joy that they give you by protecting them. Use reusable totebags (versus plastic shopping bags) and be a 1-800 Yacht Charters Eco Hero!
CALL FOR ECO-HEROES
Calling all eco heroes! Comment on this post and include your email address. Expect contact from us. We immediately send your own customized totebag. Be an #eco-hero with us!
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