Oceans, Whales, and Ice Cream

by Alicia Bynum

Coming together as individuals and big companies alike, people around the world are uniting to make the world a better place for our present and future. There are many groups and brands that act as role models for the eco-friendly world.

​It is up to us as individuals to choose where to best invest our time and material-consumption in regards to creating a clean future for the children of tomorrow.

Photo courtesy of The Pew Charitable Trusts

​This non-profit organization is leading the way for a clean future:

The Ocean Cleanup non-profit organization was founded in 2013 by Dutch inventor, Boyan Slat. The team combines ideas with over 80 engineers, scientists, and techno-modelers.

Photo courtesy of The Ocean Cleanup

​They have one mission:  to rid the world’s oceans of plastic.

5 Million pieces of plastic currently litter the ocean

Their proposed solution uses solar power and natural oceanic forces to catch and concentrate littered plastic from our oceans. Computation models reveal a deployment of this system that will progress to a 50% reduction of ocean garbage within 5 years.

The floating boom system will “act like plastic” as it uses the natural current and wind direction to float and collect trash of up to 150,000 pounds per year. This method will use advanced technology to capture waste while floating along the ocean currents between California and Hawaii. The non-profit aims to reach a full fleet of floating boom systems in the Great Pacific by 2020.

Photo courtesy of The Ocean Cleanup

​Future plans are ongoing to repurpose the collected plastic.

Along with ocean-focused organizations are brands like Patagonia blazing ahead with the priority of a clean future. ​

Photo courtesy of Patagonia

​The American clothing company has really set the bar for industry environmentalism. 

With initiatives like the Worn Wear Program, Patagonia aims to “Repair, share, and recycle” used gear to reduce carbon and waste footprints. The company is greatly involved with grassroot activists by providing grants through Patagonia Action Works.

Patagonia pledges at least 1% of their profits to environmental groups.

With large-name brands stating their values on environmentalism, consumers of our culture are not only influenced to purchase eco-friendly materials but are also encouraged to get involved hands-on and do their part within their own home.

Photo courtesy of Ben & Jerry's

​This American company, common to the tastebuds of American culture, measures their environmental impact from “Farm to Spoon.”

One pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream emits 2 lbs. of CO2 Emissions. The owners of the company, along with managers and employees on board, have been proactive in studying the results of greenhouse gases by comparing their own company’s emissions to those relatable to the public.

One car driven one mile = 1Lb. of CO2 Emissions

​A study shows that 41% of Ben & Jerry’s total carbon footprint is traceable back to cows where the main ingredient is obtained- cream! By simply studying this pertinent information, the leaders of the company are able to innovate future global climate goals while educating consumers simultaneously. No need to feel guilty about those late night Phish Food snacks, just recycle the container to the appropriate facility!

Photo courtesy of Ben & Jerry's

​​With eco-inspiration from big-name brands and leading companies, the message to make a difference continues to expand globally. Local businesses and non-profit organizations are impacting communities to stand together for change towards a clean future. The mission continues to spread, and it all starts with one person. YOU.

Photo courtesy of Meow Wolf

Meow Wolf is a locally based art-trap out of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and has turned more than heads with this sculpture built from recycled detergent bottles and milk jugs.

The giant blue whale named “Ethyl” makes her presence known at 82 feet of recycled plastic. The Santa Fe Community College and Meow Wolf collaborated to bring this sculpture to New Mexico in time for a statement on Earth Day, 2019.

Photo courtesy of Meow Wolf

300,000 lbs. of plastic (the weight of a blue whale) goes into the ocean every 9 minutes

Meow Wolf is an out-of-the-box art collective in Santa Fe that combines art, funk, and all that is strange and unusual. They worked diligently to bring Ethyl to New Mexico to teach the community about the lifespan of a plastic bottle and its impact on our oceans and wildlife.

Here are a few ideas to get involved with keeping plastic out of our oceans, reducing material waste, and helping others get involved through action:

Photo courtesy of boredpanda.com

• Be Creative:  Use plastic bottles for art! Craft them up as plant holders, Mother’s Day gifts like fingerpainted vases, or even paint brush holders. The internet is full of ideas, just search “Ways to repurpose plastic bottles,” and let your mind be blown.
• Explore Your Local Community:  Post on social media info boards, and get involved! Reach out to local activist groups, or hey, start up your own! Whether you organize weekend trash pick-ups or lend a hand to simply spread the word at your local library, dedicate some time to getting involved and start within your own community.
• Make Jewelry:  Use metal bottle caps to craft up unique earrings to wear or sell at festivals. Old bike parts, like chains and chainrings, make great windchimes.
• Consider your Loot:  Make stealthy purchases and really consider the needs of your family. Consider purchasing from brands that are made from recycled materials, or simply try not to buy items with a considerable amount of plastic packaging.
• Carpool/ Bike:  Reach out to local groups via social media about carpooling to work or on long distances. If you’re close enough, save gas and ride the bike!
• Buy Produce Locally:  Explore your local Farmer’s Market for fresh produce without the plastic packaging.
• Drop Plastic Straws Altogether:  The availability of plastic straws makes it easy to forget how quickly they can add up and become ocean waste. Invest into a reusable straw and take the #PledgeAgainstPlasticStraws. Simply Straws is a mother & daughter owned company based out of California that handcrafts glass straws. Take the pledge, and they’ll send you one for free with a lifetime guarantee. All proceeds benefit various non-profits like POW and 1% For The Planet.

By going reusable, you’ll offset 30,000 straws in your lifetime!

The 2019 Jackson Wild Summit is approaching this September 21-27 where participants, filmmakers, and the JW team will come together to share ideas and make partnerships in the interest of global wildlife and conservation.

​A flame of innovation will be lit, as critical issues facing our planet are discussed between scientists, conservationists, and filmmakers alike.

This year’s conservation focus will be on Living Oceans.