MEET THE FOUNDER

When I was 12-years-old, I traveled to the Florida Keys on a school trip where we volunteered in turtle rescue centers. What I saw was astonishing - straws lodged in turtle’s nostrils, plastic can holders around their necks, and bottle caps sitting in their stomachs. From that point forward, I began to alter my lifestyle. I swapped plastic water bottles for reusable, refillable bottles, eliminated straws, and threw out beauty products that contain microbeads… but I knew this wasn’t enough. Today, the United States produces more than 30% of the planet’s total waste, even though it houses just 4% of the population. More than 300 million tons of plastic are manufactured worldwide each year, half of which are used for single-use items (sheet masks, ketchup packets, or food packaging). 91% of plastic waste isn’t even recycled at all. Of those 300 million tons, 98 million will end up in the ocean. By 2050, plastic in the ocean will outweigh fish, pound for pound. Plastic pollution kills millions of marine animals and birds each year, piles up our coastlines, contaminates our water supplies, and contributes to greenhouse gases during the manufacturing process. I believe we can and need to reduce our plastic use. We can’t wait for governments and corporations to change policy and behaviors. The time to act is now. I started Teens Against Plastic to educate and inspire young adults to make a difference through individual action, community activism, innovation, and entrepreneurship. We can reduce, reuse and recycle, advocate for single use plastic bans, and celebrate innovation and environmental sustainability entrepreneurship. There is so much we can do. So, let’s start today!