103) Why we need a prevention-based solution to plastic and microplastic pollution with 5 Gyres Institute's Dr. Marcus Eriksen

Why are plastic pieces so problematic when they end up in our oceans? How can focusing on preventative solutions to tackling plastic and micro-plastic pollution help us to more effectively address this global issue?

Sharing his wisdom here is Dr. Marcus Eriksen, Co-founder and Research Director of 5 Gyres Institute. In this episode, you’ll hear about his research on microplastic pollution leading to the passing of our federal Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015; why he thinks we need to focus more on stopping plastic from entering our waterways in the first place instead of on cleaning up plastics already in our oceans; and more. Let’s dive in.

HIGHLIGHTS

[4:21] Marcus discusses his active deployment in the Gulf War and how seeing the ecological impact of war affected him.

[5:30] Marcus: "I've got to preserve and conserve the world around me. That's my duty; that's what's worth fighting for."

[8:16] How the 5 Gyres Institute fought for (and won) the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015. 

[14:07] Marcus speaks on the linear waste system and how that system needs to change into a circular system.

[25:45] How the burden of pollution has changed from resting on the consumers' shoulders alone to consumers sharing the load with corporations.

[27:19] Kamea: "It's important for us all to also know that we all have to work together. It's consumers; it's businesses; it's governments. We have to all collaborate with each other."

Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/103, subscribe to our newsletter to win monthly giveaways, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in!