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 plastic pollution 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. This year 30 young leaders (ages 16-22 in the Great Lakes and Southeast regions of the US) will participate in a dynamic program designed to equip them with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to combat marine plastics pollution.
Through a combination of virtual seminars, hands-on advocacy training, and direct engagement with policy makers, these ambassadors will lead impactful campaigns and entrepreneurial ventures aimed at reducing plastic waste in local communities. By empowering these young leaders to take action, EarthEcho and SC Johnson are creating a powerful network of change-makers who will champion innovative solutions, influence policy decisions, and inspire others to protect and restore the health of our oceans.
If you have any questions, please contact EarthEcho’s Marine Plastics Program Manager, Sam Athey at sam@earthecho.org. Thank you for your support!
Interested in taking action to end plastic pollution? Check out our marine plastics campaigns and get involved today!
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. 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
Water sources and wetlands, and terrestrial and aquatic species, can be negatively impacted by plastic pollution. Communication, policy initiatives, and access to information will increase the likelihood of meaningful change.
While Michigan is far from being landlocked, I wanted to design an activity that resonated with urban areas like Ann Arbor—emphasizing that no matter where you live, you play a role in plastic pollution.
On average, a university student uses up to 300 single-use plastic items per year. I knew there had to be a better solution, so I used my expertise in software and AI to create EcoPlastic, an app that uses AI to promote recycling
The Princeton Residential Colleges Sustainability Challenge is a project that brings together the support of the EarthEcho Marine Plastics Ambassadors Program and the University Student Government Sustainability Committee to spearhead an energy challenge that enables students and staff at Princeton University to contribute to a sustainable campus community
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. In 2025, this program will empower and engage 30 young changemakers (ages 16-22) from across the U.S. with the skills and resources to execute plastics pollution mitigation campaigns or projects. Ambassadors will gain knowledge on marine plastics, materials innovation, and advocacy, and will receive funding, training, and hands-on experience to address plastic pollution in their local communities.
Who can participate in the Marine Plastics Ambassador program?
The 2025 Marine Plastics Ambassador program is open to youth ages 16 to 22 (at the time of application) that reside within the Great Lakes region of the US or Southeast region of the US. The Great Lakes region includes the U.S. states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The Southeast region includes the U.S. states of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.
How do I submit an application?
Submit your application here. Applications are due by March 30, 2024 at 11:59pm EASTERN.
Can I be a Marine Plastics Ambassador if I am not located in the Great Lakes or Southeast region?
The Marine Plastics Ambassador program currently does not operate outside the Great Lakes and Southeast regions. 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 for the EarthEcho 2025 Marine Plastics Ambassadors program are due by March 30th, 2025, at 11:59pm EASTERN. Ambassadors will kick off with a virtual event during Earth Week (April 24th at 6pm ET), followed by six weeks of twice-weekly virtual seminars on marine plastics and campaign building (Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm ET from the week of May 5th through the week of June 9th). Ambassadors who attend all 12 hours of the seminars will receive a $500 stipend. They will then submit a proposal by June 13th for up to $1,000 in funding for a policy campaign or entrepreneurial venture to reduce marine plastics. In late July, ambassadors will participate in a 5-day advocacy workshop in Washington, DC, and begin executing their campaigns or ventures by June 30th, with continued support through October.
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!
Still have questions? Please direct additional questions to sam@earthecho.org.
Submit your application for the 2025 Marine Plastics Ambassadors program here. Applications are due by March 30, 2024 at 11:59pm EASTERN.
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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