Cleaning Up the Pacific with Algalita
Algalita is a non-profit organization based in Long Beach, known for its efforts to combat pollution in the world's oceans. The nonprofit conducts research, raises awareness and advocates for solutions to address the growing issue of plastic pollution.
Founded by Capt. Charles Moore in 1994, Algalita was the first organization to bring attention to the swirling soup of plastic pollution in the Pacific, now known to many as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
“Capt. Charlie helped spur what our organization calls ‘The Great Plastics Awakening’ [by] sharing our research on the late night shows, in U.S. News and even a Ted Talk! These conversations brought the issue to millions of people across the globe for the first time and brought to light the harmful impacts of plastic on public health and marine environments,” said Emily Wanous, engagement director for Algalita.
In addition to research, Algalita engages in educational programs to inform the public about the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems and human health. They also work with policymakers and stakeholders to promote policies and initiatives that aim to reduce plastic waste and protect the oceans.
Overall, they envision a world where plastic pollution is unthinkable.
The community cleaning up a local beach. Photo courtesy of Emily Wanous.
“Our action plan: design and deliver educational experiences that empower individuals to understand the full scope of plastic pollution’s impact on people and the planet, while also providing tangible ways to support solutions,” Wanous said.
Algalita plays a significant role in the global fight against plastic pollution, advocating for sustainable solutions to preserve the health of our oceans for future generations.
Amongst the plethora of projects and procedures they’ve conducted, there’s one case in particular deemed their favorite.
There is much to be proud of while working for an organization such as Algalita, and “The Story of Plastic” (2019) is deemed one of the most notable projects among members of the group.
This documentary delves into the repercussions of plastic production and disposal on human communities globally.
Its shift in focus toward humans rather than solely the environment is a crucial change that must be embraced to effectively tackle the problem of plastic pollution comprehensively and honestly.
“Our founder, Charlie, and Algalita's research vessel, the ORV Alguita, were featured in the film, alongside a handful of organizations and impacted communities globally. We continue to offer free showings of this documentary as we believe it is the most powerful tool,” said Wanous. “We have to shift cultural awareness and understanding to the true harms of the entire lifecycle of plastics - from production to disposal.”.
For more information on that project, here’s a trailer!
While an organization may boast numerous successes, it's customary for a company to encounter its fair share of challenges.
“For decades, Algalita has relied on in-person programming to carry out our mission. From hosting the first youth summits specifically focused on plastic pollution to visiting classrooms to educate the next generation about this important issue, our entire programming was centered around in-person learning,” said Wanous. “When COVID hit, our organization was not in a suitable position to pivot to meet the ever-growing changes to virtual learning. For staff who [were] working with Algalita during that time, it was a very difficult time.”
They chose to seize the opportunity to shift into an exploratory phase to learn how they can best elevate their programs. This phase gave way to their newest program, Wayfinder Society for Environmental Education.
Wayfinder Society is a global virtual program for students and educators that includes student and educator mini-grants, lesson plans, toolkits, competitions and more.
Photo courtesy of Emily Wanous.
Today, participants from 112 countries worldwide actively utilize their resources. They take great pride in providing all their resources free of charge, ensuring accessibility without any hindrances.
Alongside Wayfinder Society for Environmental Education within Algalita, there is another successful organization within the realm of the nonprofit!
In 2020, Algalita's founder, Charlie, Algalita Executive Director, Katie Allen, and Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research (MIPPR) Executive Director, Shelly Moore, founded their sister nonprofit, the Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research.
“As Algalita fully shifted our focus to education, we wanted to ensure our research would adapt and continue to meet the needs of the movement, “ said Wanous.
While Algalita continues to study and communicate to all sectors with a well-respected curriculum, teaching materials and experiential learning, it was not positioned to research and evaluate nanoscale plastic pollutants.
Thus, the Moore Institute was born.
Today, MIPPR is on track to be the first certified lab in the nation to test for microplastics in drinking water. In collaboration with the California State Water Board, the nonprofit will play an important role in future microplastics in drinking water research and regulation.
MIPPR has many opportunities for college students to volunteer and get experience in this emerging field.
Environmental issues affect everyone within a community, regardless of age, background, or socioeconomic status. Many people believe that we have a moral obligation to protect the environment and the species with which we share the planet. Encouraging environmental stewardship fosters a sense of ethical responsibility towards the Earth and all its inhabitants.
By engaging a wider demographic in environmental efforts, there's a sense of shared responsibility, fostering collective action towards sustainable solutions.
Wanous agrees saying, “I believe that much of the environmental imbalance in our world stems from a growing disconnection to place. Today, many of us see ourselves as separate from the environment rather than as one part of the whole ecosystem. Traditional Ecological Knowledge from indigenous tribes throughout this land continues to lead us in cultivating a world view of oneness to ensure an abundant and balanced future for future generations.”
She stresses the importance of supporting and learning from First Nation Peoples as an important part of reconnecting with the natural world around us.
Here is a powerful video created by Casey Camp of the Ponca Tribe that shares this worldview, in addition to outlining the history of harm and continued harm perpetrated on their communities.
They work directly with the community to put on free educational events and programming throughout the city. Algalita regularly hosts beach cleanups for the community to be a part of the solution, to see the plastic pollution impacts up close and feel more connected to the local environment.
Not to mention, they are also part of a local coalition, LB Reuses, that focuses on supporting local businesses to accept and incorporate reuse into their operations.
LB Reuses supports local businesses such as BYO Long Beach. Photo courtesy of Emily Wanous.
“Our goal is to kick single-use plastics to the curb in Long Beach! We currently have over 50 businesses participating in our sticker program— a simple program where businesses put a sticker on their front window to let customers know they can bring their reusable cups, containers, etc. to their shop!” Wanous said.
In addition, they are championing repair in the community by hosting fix-it clinics across the city where community members can bring in their well-loved items that need fixing (clothing, small appliances, tech, etc) to learn how to fix it themselves with the help from volunteers from the community.
Upcoming fix-it clinics include:
June 1, 12-3 p.m. at EXPO Arts Center
August 11, 12-3 p.m. at Trademark Brewing
Oct 5, 12-3 p.m. at Burnett Public Library
To stay up to date on all of their local programming, you can sign up for their monthly newsletter here!