In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew is joined by Margaret Spring to discuss the pressing issue of plastic pollution. Margaret shares updates on a UN treaty and highlights the research and programs conducted at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The conversation explores the actions needed from countries, companies, and individuals to reduce plastic use.

Tune in to learn more about the impact of plastic pollution and how we can all contribute to protecting the ocean.

Detailed Description

Margaret Spring joins Andrew on the podcast to discuss Ocean Plastic Pollution. She has a background in science, initially pursuing a degree in marine science. However, she realized that she could make a greater impact on the environment and the ocean by pursuing a career in law. Margaret believed that becoming a lawyer would allow her to effectively translate scientific knowledge and communicate it to others. She also mentioned the need to translate scientific findings for their expert colleagues. Despite acknowledging the challenges and intense training required to become a lawyer, Margaret remained committed to using her love for science and expertise in law to advocate for ocean justice and the protection of the ocean. She also highlighted their experience working in organizations like the Southern Environmental Law Center and the Center for International Environmental Law, which provided them with a better understanding of policy and politics.

During the episode, Margaret emphasized the importance of incorporating a business focus into the intersection of science and policy. She highlighted the efforts of her organization, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, in this regard, noting that they have been integrating business practices into their operations even before the guest's arrival. Margaret stressed the need to realistically assess the environmental impact of their operations, particularly on the ocean, and effectively communicate this information to visitors and audiences.

Margaret also mentioned that their organization's credibility is enhanced by her commitment to modeling change and conservation. As a nonprofit organization, they rely on donations and contributions, but they also strive to conserve resources and manage expenses. They acknowledged the need to continuously improve their work and demonstrate tangible change. Additionally, Margaret acknowledged the fortunate position of their organization in California, a state with progressive policies in certain areas.

Furthermore, Margaret recognized that the business aspect of conservation is often overlooked in discussions about marine biology and marine conservation. She believed that in the future, the business perspective will play a significant role in leading conservation initiatives, particularly in addressing issues like plastic pollution. By integrating a business focus into the intersection of science, policy, and conservation, she believed that they can have a greater impact and drive major policy changes that benefit everyone.

Monterey Bay Aquarium Plastic Pollution Resources: https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/act-for-the-ocean/plastic-pollution/what-we-do

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin is joined by Thomas Sagimo and Tilda Bouloux from Ocean Sole. They discuss the company's efforts in creating sustainable products that benefit both the environment and the people involved in production. Ocean Sole specializes in transforming flip flops into functional art pieces. The episode explores the importance of companies who would like to clean up the environment while supporting local communities and encourages listeners to support Ocean Sole's mission.

Audience members get 15% off their cart total using the code SPEAKUP.

Connect with Ocean Sole:
Website: https://oceansole.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oceansole/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OceanSole1
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/OceanSoleKenya

We often wait too late until we change the bad things we do in society. Climate change is wreaking havoc on our planet and we are still debating on whether it's real. 

Now, a study showed that microplastics are in the human bloodstream so are we going to do something more radical about plastic pollution so this doesn't become a bigger problem than the crisis it already is?

Link to article: https://bit.ly/3iGHWK7

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The Ocean Clean Up Project recently released a video showing a trawl net releasing plastic pollution that it supposedly hauled from the ocean and released on the deck of a shipping vessel. However, there seemed to be some things that did not add up in the video. 

There was no bycatch from the fishing net used to clean up the plastic. The plastic was intact, which is very different than most of the plastic found at sea (microplastic), and the plastic was clean (almost looking brand new). No biofouling was present on the plastics, which is different than most other plastic items found at sea. 

Some scientists and conservationists are calling the video staged. 

What do you think?

Link to video: https://bit.ly/3JvQNJR

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Plastic pollution in the Ocean is a serious problem as 12 million tons of plastic pollution is added to the Ocean on a daily basis. 

An amendment to the UN's 1989 Basel Convention added the disposal of plastic to reduce the amount of plastic pollution. where all of the original signatories have signed on to the amendment including China and Canada in the last year. However, the US has yet to ratify the convention since its inception. The Biden-Harris administration might be different, but they have not had the time to even consider it and there is a strong industry lobby that is opposing the Basel Convention.

Link to Article: https://news.mongabay.com/2021/05/as-the-rest-of-world-tackles-plastics-disposal-the-u-s-resists/https://news.mongabay.com/2021/05/as-the-rest-of-world-tackles-plastics-disposal-the-u-s-resists/

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Have you noticed an increase in your usage of sign-use plastic when you order from the Grocery Store or due to orders from online purchases? 

There is a great article in the Los Angeles Times that shows there was an increase in single-use plastics, but a decrease in the garbage. 

Link To Article: https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-08-16/italy-garbage-dips-with-virus-lockdowns-but-plastics-rise

Plastic pollution in the Ocean is already a major problem so how do we get people to change their behaviours and be safe? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

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Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network:

Marine Conservation Happy Hour
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k4ZB3x
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2kkEElk

Madame Curiosity
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2xUlSax
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2V38QQ1

ConCiencia Azul:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k6XPio
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k4ZMMf

Dugongs & Seadragons:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lB9Blv
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lV6THt

Environmental Studies & Sciences
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lx86oh
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lG8LUh

Marine Mammal Science:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k5pTCI
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k1YyRL

Projects For Wildlife Podcast:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Oc17gy
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/37rinWz

Ocean Science Radio
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3chJMfA
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3bnkP18

The Guide To Mindful Conservation: Dancing In Pink Hiking Boots:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/31P4UY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3f7hDJw

Indonesia has the second-largest amount of pollution entering the ocean and its citizens are tired of it. They want the government to implement better waster management systems. The movement for a better system is driven by the youth of Indonesia, which has worked with the government to recently ban plastic bags, styrofoam, and plastic straws in July 2019. More needs to be done though. 

Listen to the episode for more information.

Link to article: https://news.mongabay.com/2020/02/in-bali-young-people-lead-the-fight-as-a-plastic-plague-threatens-paradise/

Do you think the Indonesian Government is on the right track? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

Speak Up For Blue Instagram

Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network:

Marine Conservation Happy Hour
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k4ZB3x
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2kkEElk

ConCiencia Azul:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k6XPio
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k4ZMMf

Dugongs & Seadragons:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lB9Blv
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lV6THt

Environmental Studies & Sciences
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lx86oh
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lG8LUh

Marine Mammal Science:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k5pTCI
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k1YyRL

Projects For Wildlife Podcast:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Oc17gy
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/37rinWz

There are a number of countries that have either banned or plan to ban single-use plastics as their citizens are demanding that we stop adding plastic pollution to the Ocean. Consumers are also demanding that manufacturers create more options for less waste of their products such as refill stations; however, some manufacturers are not quite sure if their consumers are ready for refill stations based on attempts in the past. 

Listen to the episode for more details.

Link to the article discussed in the episode:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/refills-beauty-cleaning-1.5344042

Would you try using a refillable station for a product at a grocery store? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

Speak Up For Blue Instagram

Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network:

Marine Conservation Happy Hour
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k4ZB3x
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2kkEElk

ConCiencia Azul:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k6XPio
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k4ZMMf

Dugongs & Seadragons:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lB9Blv
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lV6THt

Environmental Studies & Sciences
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lx86oh
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lG8LUh

Marine Mammal Science:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k5pTCI
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k1YyRL

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was photographed while meeting with some teenagers in his home riding with a bag of plastic cutlery after announcing, just 2 weeks ago, a proposal to ban single-use plastic by 2021. Did he buy the plastic? Probably not; however, the optics are not great and opponents are on the attack. 

We all get caught up in a destructive and wasteful society because that is what we have created. Our society has opted for making money with lighter and cheaper materials rather than sturdy and more efficient materials. 

However, we shouldn't worry about getting caught up in this type of society. We should be more focused on how we ourselves should change the types of products that we use. 

I have some ideas that I mention in the podcast. Share your thoughts on this topic in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to be more eco-friendly? Buy certified eco-friendly products from our affiliate partner the Grove Collaborative: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

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There is a video that is making rounds on Canadian Social Media feeds that attacks the proposed bill on a Canadian-wide ban of single-use plastics by 2021. While the rest of the world is rejoicing at the thought of the ban, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's opponents say the bill should not matter because Canada does not produce most of the plastic pollution as compared to other nations.

It is estimated that 165 million tons of plastic pollution in the ocean.

Even 1%, which is what the video estimates as Canada's plastic pollution output is, of that would be over 1 million tons of plastic pollution. That's quite a bit of pollution. 

I refute many of the "facts" that the video provides. 

Take a listen and share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.spreakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a federal ban on single-use plastic to be implemented in 2021. There will be a list of items that will be banned; however, the list hasn't been fully created yet. 

Trudeau also mentioned that the plan will include working with manufacturers to reduce the amount of plastic used in their packaging. 

There is some criticism from the opposition party, but you will have to take a listen to find out more.

What do you think about the ban? Share your thoughts in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

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I had the pleasure to speak to Dianna Cohen, CEO of the Plastic Pollution Coalition, a coalition of 750 organizations, businesses, and individuals. 

During our conversation, we discuss how Dianna got into fighting Plastic Pollution, how the coalition started, why REFUSE is the fourth (and first R), and how you could like a plastic-free lifestyle.  

Do you strive to live a Plastic-Free lifestyle? Share your tactics in our Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

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Did you know that countries ship their recycled waste to other countries for recycling and disposal? Well, apparently it's been happening for a while, but it seems like it's going to stop now.

Malaysia and the Philippines are sick and tired of Canada's Recycled and Contaminated waste so they are sending it back. 

As a Canadian, I am appalled that we were sending our Trash away. It will be interesting to see what happens to the trash we get back and what we produce in the future. As usual, I have some thoughts and share them in this episode.

What are your thoughts? Share them in the Speak Up For BLue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

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Researchers have found a massive amount of plastic on a remote island in the Indian Ocean. The plastic and debris were not made or used by a population of 600 people that live on the island. It came from other countries generated by other people. 

Unfortunately, the local community will be affected by this plastic pollution for decades to come as it will take a lifetime to get rid of all of the plastic. The presence of plastic pollution will affect tourism and could affect the local economy.

Check out more details in the episode. How are you going to change your plastic usage in the future? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

It's amazing that we can find trash in the deepest parts of the Ocean. And when I say amazing, I mean that in the most depressing way!

Some people see the news of trash in the deepest parts of the Ocean and don't know what I do. Other people, like myself, see trash at the deepest parts of the Ocean and want to see action. 

I want to see myself and my community doing more to stop using wasteful products. I want to see us avoid buying products based on waste packaging. I want to see your efforts on social media. Tag me on Instagram, Tag me on Twitter, Post in the Facebook Group images of the type of eco-friendly products you use. Let's build a community of "Doers!"

Share your actions to Live For A Better Ocean in the Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

I got the chance to sit down with John Davis to discuss how funding for projects for fighting marine plastic pollution is shifting from a non-profit model to a for-profit model. The shift comes with companies and venture capitalists that have identified a number of opportunities to make money off of harnessing ocean plastic pollution to make a profit and an impact. 

John and I dive into how the funding was distributed in the past and how many of the original organizations are being left out of the funding for a new model. 

Do these organizations that fight marine plastic pollution need to evolve with the times to survive and build on their legacy? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Links From This Episode:

OCTO (Open Communications For The Oceans)

Marine Debris Listserv

Dr. Edd Hind-Ozan joins me for another segment of "What's Happening in Marine Social Science This Week" where we discuss a plastic pollution story in Nigeria. The story describes a lawyer who was sick of seeing plastic on her beach so much that she started an organization involving community clean ups to help rid the beach of plastic. 

I cover a story out of the North Eastern Pacific, where a warm water mass has formed and being dubbed the "Son of the Blob." Some meteorologists are suggesting the that water mass may be responsible for the droughts and forest fires along the West Coast of North America.

Let us know your thoughts on this episode in the Facebook Group:

http://www.speakupforblue.com/group. 

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

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For years China has been accepting plastic from many parts of the world include the US; however, the superpower stopped accepting plastic in "dirty" form last January (2018). The questions now is what does the US do with all of its plastic waste? 

John Davis (OCTO) is here to try and answer the question as it has been the latest topic on the Marine-Debris Listserv. We discuss the new form the plastic must be in for China to accept it. We also discuss how cities are adapting to this new format and what they are doing with their plastic trash. 

We would love to hear your ideas. You can join the Marine-Debris Listserv by going to https://marinedebris.openchannels.org/.

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

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The International Shoreline Cleanup occurs in September every year. It's a way to get people to understand how much plastic and debris washes up on beaches. 

Greenpeace Canada has released a report identifying the common pieces of trash that was found along the shorelines in Canada. The CBC covered the report and why the corporations should be responsible for the items they create. Some corporations blame the recycling and waste management system.

How do you think the corporations should react to their items being found on Canadian Shorelines? Let us know in the Facebook Group.

Source

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My wife and I went to New York City with two other couples to celebrate our 40th birthdays together. I've reflected a lot over the past year on my 40th year on this planet, especially how I can make it better. With that in mind, I now notice many things about the environment when it comes to how we utilize containers, straws and other single-use plastics. I noticed a few things in New York City that I discuss in this episode. 

Enjoy the Podcast!!!

Do you live in New York City? Do you agree with me about what I said? Let me know in the Facebook Group.

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Daisy Kendrick was troubled by the fact that her friends were not aware of Ocean issues, so she decided to create marketing campaigns that target where other organizations aren't...the gaming community.

Today, you are going to here from someone who is quickly becoming a successful non-profit entrepreneur that is working to change the behaviour of how we use plastic.

Enjoy the podcast!

Support Science and Climate Change Science Research by buying our Graphic T-shirts "Science Can't Be Silenced" and "Climate Change is here, it's real, it's time to act." The March for Science is over, but Climate Change Research must continue so we are extending our campaign to support Climate Change Science Research as a Speak Up For Blue Community. $5 of every shirt purchased will be donated to support the research of Dr. Michelle LaRue, who researches how Climate Change affects various animals in the Antarctic and Arctic systems. http://www.speakupforblue.com/shop

Are you looking to change the way you eat for a better health and environment? Start using Arbonne nutrition and health care products that are all natural and environmentally friendly. I use them all the time and their nutrition line has transformed the way I eat and my health.

Email me today, andrew@speakupforblue.com to find out how you can transform your health.

Looking to transform your health and wellness using Arbonne products? Learn about our starter package to get you living for a better Ocean by contacting me at andrew@speakupforblue.com.

Plastic pollution in the Ocean is a worldwide epidemic affecting water quality and the health of Ocean species more than we already know. Over 100,000 marine mammals (whales, dolphins), sea turtles, seabirds and fish are killed each year by marine debris including plastic pollution. Plastic pollution is an Ocean issue that is not debated as other issues are (climate change) as it has been documented by many organizations and advocates who travel out to the Ocean Gyres (5 of them) to witness, take photographs and video the evidence of plastic pollution and the ocean; however, plastic pollution is a HUGE issue in the Oceans.

Plastics and other marine debris can be found on beaches and coastlines all over the world. They wash up from the ocean after floating around for years and they wash down the watershed from land-based sources eventually landing in the Ocean. In fact, nearly 45% of land-based trash comes from 5 countries in Asia; although, this doesn’t mean that other countries such as the Canada and the US aren’t adding to the plastic pollution problem. If this is such a big problem, then why do more people not know about it? There are many organizations out there such as Plastic Pollution Coalition, 5 Gyres, Environmental Defence Fund, Tangaroa Blue and the Ocean Conservancy that are raising awareness through research and awareness campaigns; however, it still seems that many people do not know of the problem with plastic pollution.

A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine here in Burlington, Ontario (Canada) tagged me in a Facebook post with a video about the plastic pollution and debris that travels through the storm sewers and into Lake Ontario. It was one storm sewer, but probably a common occurrence with many other sewer outfalls as well. He asked me who people could call and I mentioned that this wasn’t completely a government clean up problem (in Burlington, we have a sophisticated waste management system: compost, recycling and garbage with deleterious substances being thrown out at specific facilities). It’s not a perfect system, but it’s quite good in comparison to other cities around the world. I told my friend that the problem lies mostly with people and the way that we use and dispose of single use products. Plastic bags, plastic utensils, plastic containers, plastic water bottles are all part of the problem. These items are either dropped on the ground (people) or they are end up in the water from landfills (government).

It’s a problem that needs to be discussed within every community in every city. Government campaigns to make more people aware of the items that end up in their lake (or water body) and how they can reduce the use of those items coupled with regularly scheduled beach clean ups will help reduce the amount of plastic pollution in the lake and bring the community closer together.

I did an interview with Heidi Taylor of Tangaroa Blue, an organization that not only cleans up beaches, but works with industry to find alternative sustainable solutions to common items found in their beach clean ups along the east coast of Australia. Heidi and her organization recruits a team of citizen scientists to work with her team to clean up and enumerate the items found on a beach and use the database to make informed decisions and change policies.

There are some great organizations out there raising awareness, cleaning up beaches and working with government and industry partners to help reduce plastic pollution and other marine debris; however, more awareness is necessary. It’s a good thing the Speak Up For Blue team is all about raising awareness and has a growing podcast out to help spread the world. We found the perfect person to interview to help us in our mission.

Ocean Conservancy’s Nick Mallos, Director of their Trash Free Seas Alliance program, sat down with me at the International Marine Conservation Congress to answer a few questions about marine debris and how we can reduce/eliminate it.

Take a listen to the podcast and let us know what you think in the show notes.

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