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. 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. They have one mission: to rid the world’s oceans of plastic. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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:
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.
2 Comments
4/7/2022 05:55:56 am
Restoration is considered an effective strategy to accelerate the recovery of biological communities at local scale.
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5/31/2023 11:13:46 am
Thanks for your post.
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