WASHINGTON, May 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — An estimated 22 million tons of plastic pollution enter the Great Lakes annually, staggering numbers that contribute to the global plastic crisis and speak to the urgent need for action. As the fourth session of the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) wrapped up in Ottawa last week, with the goal of negotiating a global plastics treaty, more eyes are on the plastic pollution crisis. And, perhaps now more than ever, young people are dedicated to making a difference in the plastic waste crisis.
The 2024 EarthEcho International Marine Plastics Ambassadors
Today, EarthEcho International and SC Johnson announced the inaugural Marine Plastics Ambassadors, a dynamic group of 22 young advocates (ages 16-22) from the United States and Canada who will develop and execute plastics pollution reduction campaigns and projects in their local communities.
“Building pathways of leadership and professional opportunities for young ocean conservation advocates is key to eliminating marine debris and restoring the ocean to health and abundance,” said EarthEcho International Founder Philippe Cousteau. “These passionate young leaders bring diverse perspectives, vision and a sense of urgency to the critical issue of marine plastic pollution.”
“It’s great to see this dynamic group of young adults tackling the plastic pollution crisis and stepping up as leaders in their local communities – we can all learn from them,” said Sheila Redzepi, Chief Communications Officer, SC Johnson. “As a company, we view plastic pollution as a significant environmental challenge that needs to be addressed. We are grateful for this meaningful partnership with EarthEcho and we can’t wait to see the final projects from these young advocates – as they’re sure to be inspiring.”
Meet the 2024 Marine Plastics Ambassadors who kicked off their program in Chicago, IL exploring The Blue Paradox immersive exhibit, presented by SC Johnson and Conservation International:
Jenna Barad, 19, Madison, Wisconsin
Sownok Barua, 17, Hamtramck, Michigan
Jack Benson, 16, Chicago, Illinois
Clara Brown, 16, Merrickville, Ontario
Xavier Cunningham, 17, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Maya Heller, 17, Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Mutaz Ismael, 17, Detroit, Michigan
Siya Jariwala, 17, Chicago, Illinois
Ryann Jibson, 19, Whitehall, Michigan
Dev Katyal, 17, Ottawa, Ontario
Arianna Lawrence, 19, New York, New York
Winnie Lin, 17, New York, New York
Yalina Lopez, 20, Berwyn, Illinois
Olivia Miller, 17, Alpena, Michigan
Samantha Moorhead, 17, Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Lucas Prokopinski, 17, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Francisco Rodriguez, 20, Queens, New York
Aana Shenai, 18, Chicago, Illinois/Cincinnati, Ohio
Khushi Soni, 16, Toronto, Ontario
Joey Wu, 20, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Marlin Xie, 16, Elmhurst, New York
Doris Zheng, 16, New York, New York
Marine Plastic Pollution Facts
Over 400 million tons of plastic are produced around the globe each year – two thirds of which are single-use plastics, designed to be used once or for a few minutes and then thrown away.
Approximately 11 million metric tons of plastic waste enters oceans annually (the equivalent of a garbage truck load of plastic every minute) with estimates of that number nearly tripling by 2040.
Plastic litter and resulting microplastics have devastating effects on marine ecosystems. Microplastics can now be found throughout the food chain, including within humans.
For more information, visit www.earthecho.org/plastics-ambassadors and follow us on social media:
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For information about EarthEcho International, please visit www.earthecho.org.
SOURCE EarthEcho International
