The Persistence of Plastic: 5 Ways to Decrease Marine Debris
This year’s Santa Barbara County Coastal Cleanup Day presented us with the opportunity to band together to clean up our shorelines for the first time in over a year since the pandemic. The three-hour cleanup, with sites all along Santa Barbara county’s coast, yielded over 6,000 pounds of trash. Our month-long cleanup effort in September alone totaled a whopping 6,104 pound
Throughout all sites, the top 5 most abundant debris (and the # of items found this year on Coastal Cleanup Day) were:
- Plastic pieces (6,783)
- Cigarette butts (6,314)
- Food wrappers (3,469)
- Foam pieces (2,579)
- Plastic bottle caps (1,268)
Although these items may initially seem diverse and widespread, there remains one relentless common denominator of our waste: plastic.
Plastics are the most common form of marine debris. Although they come from a variety of sources on both land and water, once plastic enters our oceans it never fully biodegrades. Instead, it breaks down into smaller and more harmful pieces called microplastics.
Unknown to many, plastic can be found in even the smallest of items. Cigarettes filters, for example, contain plastic, making them frequent finds (usually amongst the top 2) that ultimately end up on our beaches. The harmful effects of plastic go beyond the physical. Not only are plastics being consumed and entrapping organisms (humans included), but most plastics, including the cellulose acetate fibers found in cigarette butts, can leach chemicals like nicotine, flame retardants, and colorants into our natural spaces. By helping out at events like Coastal Cleanup Day, we are removing more than just what the eye can see!
I find it can be extremely difficult to remain hopeful about environmental issues when constantly faced with disheartening statistics and the increasingly apparent repercussions of our actions. But stopping the phenomenon of plastic can be helped by addressing our consumption and “throw-away” culture. I find it helpful to think of this quote, “There is no such thing as “away.” When you throw something away, it must go somewhere” -Annie Leonard.
Hopefully, the information that follows can show us new ways to reduce plastic use and prevent its entry into our environments.
Reduce plastic use
Think of all the ways you use plastic every day. Count the number of plastic items you reuse, buy, and throw away. Once you address how much plastic exists in your life, it’ll get easier to reduce and prevent use of it, specifically single-use plastics!
Bring your own
This is linked to reducing plastic use but can be an easy one to forget! It’s easy to pick up a plastic fork, cup, or other plasticware when you’re on the go. Try keeping reusable items in a place you won’t forget, like your car, before grabbing that plastic bottle at the grocery store.
Recognize your power as a consumer
Show companies the power of your dollar by putting it where it counts! By choosing to buy food and other products that lack plastic packaging, we can begin to make a change. Try buying in bulk and shopping at stores/local farmers markets that don’t prioritize plastic.
Reuse plastic products
Hesitate before throwing something away. If we take the time, we can find creative, fun ways to reuse plastic products. Check out this article for 30 ways to reuse your plastic items: https://www.fairharborclothing.com/blogs/news/30-ways-to-reuse-plastic
Recycle, but make it your last option
Recycling is great, but not always foolproof. It requires a large amount of resources and power to extend the life of a product, and oftentimes not everything can be recycled. Look for certain numbers on plastic packaging to determine recycling eligibility! This is often dependent on the region you live in. Enter your zip code/recyclable product in question into this website (https://search.earth911.com/) to determine your best options.
References
https://oceanconservancy.org/blog/2019/04/23/plastic-pollution-chemical-pollution/
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/hazards/marinedebris/plastics-in-the-ocean.html
https://www.fairharborclothing.com/blogs/news/30-ways-to-reuse-plastic
https://search.earth911.com
Eva grew up in Berkeley, CA and is a recent graduate of UCSB, where she studied Aquatic Biology and German Language. During her undergrad, Eva worked as an aquarist at UCSB’s Research Experience and Education Facility (the REEF), where she managed the aquarium facility and found a love for science communication and conservation.
Phillip is a recent Westmont College graduate and a proud member of the inaugural class of Environmental Studies students from Westmont. Phillip is excited to be on the Explore Ecology teaching team because he loves to inspire others about nature as his mentors have done for him. 
Ellie Cotter is a recent graduate of UCSB who studied Environmental Studies with a minor in Philosophy. Ellie learned the importance of community based action, spending her years interning and volunteering for local groups, such as Coal Oil Point Reserve and North Campus Open Space. 
Joey is grateful to have grown up with an abundance of nature around him and is happiest in the water or in the sun. From a young age, Joey felt a responsibility to take care of the Earth in return for all the ways she has taken care of him. This led Joey to pursue a degree in Environmental Studies at UCSB where he furthered his knowledge of how different human societies have conceptualized and interacted with the natural world throughout history.
Rachel Palmer
Alyssa grew up on Long Island, New York and spent a lot of her childhood and early adulthood exploring the mountains, meadows, and beaches throughout the East Coast. These formative experiences in nature, along with impactful mentors and coursework in undergraduate and graduate school, inspired her to pursue a career connecting youth with the natural world. From the deciduous forests of New England to the shores of the Big Island of Hawaii, Alyssa has spent over 10 years working with youth of all ages on urban and rural farms, in school gardens, and in beautiful, wild places. Alyssa is passionate about facilitating meaningful experiences for youth that deepen their connections to self, community, and the land and she believes that school gardens are the perfect place to do this. 
Nicole is a mixed media artist and vintage goods specialist who has been managing Art from Scrap since 2020.
Veronica grew up in San Diego and spent four years in San Luis Obispo studying Animal Science at Cal Poly. As an undergrad she learned lots about livestock, agriculture, and wildlife.
I love coming to work and getting pets from everyone.
Ian Docktor
Emma Serr is an artist and student studying Studio Art at SBCC.
Lydia
Iliana Jacobo is a Garden Educator at three different school sites. Iliana has a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Sustainability and Social Justice and a minor in Ethnic Studies from San Francisco State University.
Lindsay Johnson
MELISSA BROOKS
Jenny joined Explore Ecology first as an Environmental Educator, then as a Program Coordinator, and most recently moved into the newly created Programs, People & Culture position. Prior to Explore Ecology Jenny worked in science research and consulting, however her passion has always been science education and outreach. Jenny loves all things related to the ocean, especially free diving, and enjoying the beauty and wonder that is the underwater world. Her greatest life passion is traveling, which she hopes to do more of again soon.
Lu’s love of all things Earth began at James Madison University in Virginia, where they got their Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Lu has a Master’s degree in Spatial Ecology- the study of how creatures interact across landscapes- from East Carolina University, where they studied rock pools along a river and the critters that dwell in them.
Luz developed a strong sense of devotion for working with diverse populations after studying Sociology at UCSB. Her background in social work includes case management for various non-profits, experience with trauma informed care, and developing/teaching curriculum for school garden education & art resiliency. 
Sarah is very passionate about being involved in the outdoors, as well as expressing creativity. She grew up in the Bay Area learning to garden with her mother and going hiking, camping, and backpacking with her family regularly. While gardening with her mother, she grew a deep connection with the processes of ecosystems and food production, so Sarah believes it can be incredibly beneficial for kids to get hands-on experience in nature. 
Sadie
Clare
Chloe grew up in nearby Ojai, CA, which helped shape her passion for living a green lifestyle and conserving wildlife. 
Aimee moved to Santa Barbara from Asheville, North Carolina. She grew up visiting her Grandma in Ojai and wanted to take the opportunity to be closer to her. By lucky accident, she has also found that she is in love with beautiful Santa Barbara! Aimee’s background prior to her Garden Educator position was in Animal Agriculture and she had a layman’s interest in keeping a garden. The Central Coast is a completely different ball game as far as growing produce and she has greatly enjoyed the challenge, as well as taking every opportunity to grow and learn with her students. She loves giving students opportunities to grow lots of food that is delicious right off the plant, as well as learning about the entire ecosystem of their school gardens. She hopes her teaching feels student-led and informed. 
Angie was born and raised in Santa Barbara. She studied Psychology at San Diego State and was a social worker in San Francisco for five years before she discovered her love of growing food. Angie learned how to grow vegetables with the Green Urban Lunch Box in Salt Lake City and then moved back to the Bay Area to start farming. 
