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Our oceans are slowly being destroyed by plastic pollution, and marine debris rapidly increases every year with no end in sight. Corrina Bellizzi takes a deep dive into one of the most visible and urgent environmental challenges of our time with Eric Magers, Founder and Executive Director of Seaside Sustainability. Together, they discuss what must be done to minimize and put an end to plastic pollution, from getting rid of single-use plastic to pushing for legislation centered on environmental preservation. Eric also explains the importance of empowering small-scale projects and pushing young people to drive project-based sustainability initiatives.
About Guest:
Eric Magers is the Founder and Executive Director of Seaside Sustainability, a nationally recognized nonprofit driving innovative solutions to plastic pollution, marine debris, and climate education. A lifelong educator and award-winning climate leader, Eric was honored at the White House and named Climate Educator of the Year for his pioneering work bridging science, community, and action. He is also the creator of Green Scholars, a nationally award-winning project-based learning course that empowers students to transform their schools through sustainability initiatives. Several schools implementing this program have been recognized as some of the greenest schools in America. Beyond Seaside, Eric is the Founder and CEO of the National STEM Honor Society (NSTEM), which now includes more than 500 chapters and 6,000 members worldwide. Across all his work, Eric’s vision is clear: empower students, schools, and communities with the tools to create systemic change and build a sustainable, innovative future.
Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-magers/
Guest Website: https://www.seasidesustainability.org/home
Guest Social:
https://www.facebook.com/seasusinc
https://www.instagram.com/seasusinc/
Additional Resources Mentioned:
🔊 Trash to Treasure: Exploring What It Takes to Build a Business from Waste with Kelsey Rumburg https://caremorebebetter.com/trash-to-treasure-exploring-what-it-takes-to-build-a-business-from-waste/
🔊 Solving The Problem Of Plastic Pollution With Judith Enck https://caremorebebetter.com/solving-the-problem-of-plastic-pollution-with-judith-enck/
📘 The Problem with Plastic by Judith Enck https://amzn.to/4p6RcXX
Show Notes:
02:47 - How Eric Became An Environmental Educator And Ocean Advocate
09:12 - The Planet’s Big Problem Of Consumer Marine Debris
19:02 - How Environmental Legislation Can Solve Plastic Pollution
26:33 - Why A Total Plastic Ban Would Never Work
32:52 - Seaside Sustainability’s Focus On Plastics And Marine Debris
35:07 - Addressing Environmental Problems Even If You Are Not Seeing Them
46:43 - Plastics Should Never Find Their Way Back Into The Environment
51:32 - Keep Yourself Updated With Google Alerts
54:08 - Discussion Wrap-up And Closing Words
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