Ocean Warriors
5 GYRES - One of our favorite warriors.
This organization, founded by Ana Cummings and Marcus Eriksen, who, since 2009 when we first met them, have built a team of ocean warriors! The 5 Gyres Institute has taken on 19 research expeditions in all 5 subtropical gyres (hence the name) as well as many of the world’s lakes and rivers in search of plastic.
This amazing couple’s story is highlighted on their site:
“As we sailed from Hawaii to Los Angeles, we collected samples of broken down plastics tragically mixed with marine life. But at night, we saw something even more alarming. Small fish that surfaced nocturnally to feed were mistaking contaminated plastic waste for food. As these fish were consumed by larger predators, the toxins were working their way up the food chain and onto our plates.
We vowed to dedicate our lives to solving the problem, and to each other. After Marcus fashioned a ring from discarded fishing line that he pulled from the ocean, we got engaged amongst a smog of plastic. Soon after, Marcus sailed on a three-month voyage aboard JUNK RAFT, a makeshift boat kept afloat by 15,000 recycled plastic water bottles, raising awareness about plastic pollution and inspiring the launch of The 5 Gyres Institute.”
Since then, their history of research and success is astounding.
Check this out…
Just one small company making a huge difference.
