In a single year, 11 million metric tons of new plastic enters our ocean with estimates of that number potentially tripling by 2040. Of those numbers 5 million metric tons are plastic films and another 0.7 million metric tons are microplastics, staggering numbers that speak to the urgency that we must take action to mitigate this issue, especially in urban centers in coastal communities.
Building a pathway of leadership and professional opportunities for young ocean conservation leaders is key to eliminating marine debris in order to restore the ocean to health and abundance. EarthEcho has partnered with SC Johnson to build a network of youth to become Marine Plastics Ambassadors—a force for ocean restoration. Twenty-five young leaders (ages 16-22 in the Great Lakes region) will engage with the powerful multimedia experience of Blue Paradox and mobilize that inspiration to build and execute plastics pollution mitigation campaigns or projects to address the issue authentically in their local communities.
If you have any questions, please contact EarthEcho’s Marine Plastics Program Manager, Sam Athey at sam@earthecho.org. Thank you for your support!
Thank you for your interest in EarthEcho's Marine Plastics Ambassadors Program. We are no longer accepting applications for the 2024 cohort. Join our GenSea community or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or TikTok for updates on this program and future opportunities!
What is the Marine Plastics Ambassador program?
EarthEcho has partnered with SC Johnson to build a network of youth to become Marine Plastics Ambassadors—a force for ocean restoration through the elimination of marine debris. This program will empower and engage 25 young changemakers (ages 16-22 in the Great Lakes region) with the skills and resources to execute plastics pollution mitigation campaigns or projects to address the issue authentically in their local communities.
Who can participate in the Marine Plastics Ambassador program?
The 2024 Marine Plastics Ambassador program is open to youth ages 16 to 22 (at the time of application) that reside within the Great Lakes region. The Great Lakes region includes the U.S. states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin and the Canadian province of Ontario.
How do I submit an application?
Submit your application using the Apply Now! Button. Applications are due by March 1, 2024 at 11:59pm EASTERN.
Can I be a Marine Plastics Ambassador if I am not located in the Great Lakes region?
The Marine Plastics Ambassador program currently does not operate outside the Great Lakes region. However, you can join our GenSea network to learn about more EarthEcho opportunities in your region and be notified when the Marine Plastics Ambassador program expands.
What are the key dates for the program?
Applications are due March 1st at 11:59pm EASTERN. Successful applicants will participate in a 3-day kick-off event in Chicago, IL in mid- April. Following the kick-off event, Ambassadors will attend twice weekly seminars for 10 weeks, after which they will have the opportunity to submit a proposal for funding to support a plastic reduction campaign or project in their community. Ambassadors will conduct their campaigns over the course of the summer. All Ambassadors will have the opportunity to attend an event with youth leaders participating in EarthEcho’s other programs in August 2024.
What are other ways I can connect with EarthEcho International?
Be sure to connect with us via social media on Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and Instagram to learn the latest about our work and opportunities for young conservation leaders. Be sure to join GenSea for the latest updates and opportunities from EarthEcho for young ocean leaders!
Young people are heavily affected by plastic pollution, and we can contribute to the success of a Global Plastics Treaty. I would highly encourage everyone to get involved in any way you can, and make sure your voice is heard, because it matters.
The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated. Every day we delay action, more plastic accumulates in our environment. The Global Plastics Treaty is not just an agreement – it's a commitment to preserving the health of our planet for generations to come. Let's seize this moment and create meaningful, lasting change.
Traveling across the country, from New York City to Seattle, to meet young ocean advocates from all over the world was something that I couldn’t even have dreamed of before I joined EarthEcho. In March 2024, I was selected to be a Marine Plastics Ambassador which allowed me to plan and implement a plastic reduction project in the Great Lakes.
Experts have made it clear that urgent action is needed to curb our consumption of plastics. Find everything you need to know about the Global Plastics treaty, the #Youth4PlasticJustice movement, and how you can get involved!
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We’re proud to work with this outstanding group of young advocates and community leaders working to end plastic pollution in their communities.
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