Standing on the shore of Lake Ontario during a community cleanup last year, I was alarmed by the overwhelming amount of single-use plastics we found. But more disturbing than what we found was what we didn't: the vast amount of plastic that had already sunk beneath the surface or drifted further into the freshwater ecosystems. An estimated 3 million pounds of plastic enter Lake Ontario annually, contributing to a larger issue of plastic debris in the Great Lakes. Even more shocking—Lake Ontario has enough plastic bottles in the lake to fill 28 Olympic-sized swimming pools!

This eye-opening experience convinced me that occasional cleanups weren't enough. It demanded a fundamental shift in how we think about, use, and dispose of plastic in our daily lives.

This led me to develop two initiatives, that would approach the problem from different angles: Zero Waste Lunchbox Campaign, a school-based program focused on reducing single-use plastics in student lunches and Planet & Print, where I taught monthly workshops in my local community that connect technology with marine conservation education.

Zero Waste Lunchbox Campaign

The Zero Waste Lunchbox Campaign addresses lunch-time plastic waste in elementary schools through:

1. Educational workshops about single-use plastics and their environmental impact
2. Baseline measurements of students' initial plastic consumption
3. A dedicated waste collection system with regular weighing and recording
4. A classroom competition with incentives for greatest waste reduction (nothing motivates elementary students more than a competition with a reward!!)

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What began in a single classroom expanded to encompass the entire school as enthusiasm grew among students and staff!!

Through these structured activities, the campaign has achieved measurable results:

• Eliminated over 30 kilograms of plastic waste
• Changed behaviors in more than 100 students regarding lunch preparation
• Generated interest among 10+ teachers to implement similar initiatives
• Established sustainable habits and awareness among participants

This campaign is significant because it fosters long-term shifts in how students think about plastic consumption, helping create a generation that understands why reducing plastic matters for ocean health.

Planet & Print Workshops

These library workshops bridge environmental awareness with digital literacy by:

1. Demonstrating connections between technology and environmental stewardship
2. Teaching HTML programming through creation of websites about ocean plastic pollution
3. Partnering with local libraries to reach diverse student audiences

This interdisciplinary approach combines environmental education with technical skill development that may contribute to future solution development.

The workshops have created outcomes such as:

• The monthly workshops engaged over 25 student per session
• The students developed dual knowledge in technology & environmental literacy
• Created educational websites about ocean plastic pollution

These workshops prepare students to approach environmental challenges with both technical expertise and ecological understanding—an essential combination for addressing pollution in the digital age.

Reflection and Learning

The most significant challenge I faced was securing an elementary school willing to implement the Zero Waste Lunchbox Campaign. Many administrators were hesitant due to concerns about disrupting routines and adding responsibilities to busy staff. After approaching five different schools, I found a principal who recognized the educational value and environmental impact of the project.

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Student engagement once the program launched was particularly successful. The competitive element created positive peer pressure that accelerated adoption of sustainable practices. Students became enthusiastic ambassadors, often bringing these practices home and influencing their families' habits as well.

I learned that effective environmental programs must balance educational content with practical, actionable steps. Simply teaching students about plastic pollution wasn't enough—providing concrete alternatives and making the process enjoyable was crucial to success.

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My workshops revealed the power of interdisciplinary approaches. By connecting environmental issues with digital skills, I reached students who might not have initially identified as environmentalists but became engaged through their interest in technology.

These experiences helped me grow as a Marine Plastics Ambassador by developing persistence and adaptability. Learning to tailor my approach based on the specific barriers and motivations of different stakeholders has made me more effective at building coalitions for environmental action. I've gained confidence in designing sustainable programs that can maintain momentum independently, a critical skill for creating lasting change.

Future Plans

Zero Waste Lunchbox Campaign

I will collaborate with interested teachers to implement the campaign in their schools during the next academic year. A comprehensive implementation guide will be developed to facilitate easy adoption by educators. Long-term behavioral sustainability will be assessed through follow-up surveys and lunchbox audits. Partnerships with sustainable container manufacturers will be explored to make eco-friendly alternatives more accessible to students and families.

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Planet & Print Workshops

The community library workshop series will continue with an expanded curriculum reaching additional branches in the district. Advanced lessons combining coding with environmental data analysis will be developed for returning students. I am aiming to create a digital platform that will showcase student projects and facilitate collaboration between participants from different locations or connect the students on GenSea Platform for collaboration. This platform will also serve as a resource hub for other young people interested in combining technology and environmental advocacy.