Anna Cummins, Dr. Marcus Eriksen & the 5 Gyres Institute
December 3, 2015 at the Resort at Squaw Creek
Thank you for joining the Squaw Valley Institute for a discussion led by Anna Cummins, Dr. Marcus Eriksen, and the 5 Gyres Institute, December 3, 2015 at the Resort at Squaw Creek. This event will examine the mystifying 5 gyres, tangible methods to reduce plastics pollution, and raise awareness for the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and its devastating effects.
Plastic is used virtually everywhere, and is polluting our planet and threatening our oceans at an alarming rate. The Squaw Valley Institute is passionate about bringing attention to this growing situation and helping to open a dialogue about what can be done to combat the problem.
Most of the things we buy utilize single-use plastic. While some of it is recycled and remade into durable goods, only 5-10% is recovered and roughly 50% ends up in the garbage where it eventually washes out to sea. Once in the ocean, much of the plastic circulates into one of the earth’s five gyres. These massive, slow rotating whirlpools accumulate plastic and currents circulate it around the world where it washes up on beaches thousands of miles away. Plastic that doesn’t wash up breaks down into tiny pieces that are consumed by ocean wildlife and often end up on our dinner table. This trickle-down effect will have dire consequences in the future if nothing is done.
Attendees are invited to join in the discussion led by 5 Gyres co-founder Anna Cummins & Dr. Marcus Eriksen, as the event explains the growing plastic problem, examines mystifying 5 gyres, offers tangible methods and solutions for how to reduce plastic pollution, all while raising awareness of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and its devastating effects.
Founded by Anna Cummins and Marcus Eriksen, in collaboration with the Algalita Marine Research Foundation and Pangaea Explorations, 5 Gyres aims to restore clean oceans through research, education and advocacy. The group has completed 16 expeditions throughout the world where they have collected cutting-edge plastic research, which has helped create legislation, impact change and further global education of plastic pollution.
In order to inspire uncommon conversations about this topic within our schools and kids, SVI’s youth program VOY/CE has partnered with Sierra Watershed Educational Partnerships (SWEP). SWEP is a popular local non-profit organization that promotes environmental stewardship by collaborating with local teachers, school districts and community partners to address pertinent environmental issues. Similarly, SVI’s VOY/CE program is also directed at the school age members of our community and aims to introduce students to thought-provoking topics to create lasting transformations as students expand their view of the world through dedicated time interacting with SVI guest speakers. The VOY/CE program and SWEP’s Green Teams through the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District will meet and interact with Anna Cummins and Dr. Marcus Eriksen in advance of this event. Students will have opportunities to develop and ask meaningful questions, examine and share their own experiences and ideas, and develop a broader understanding of the impact plastic pollution has on our oceans and our local environment.
The evening also features an informative and creative ‘Trashion Show’ presented by the SWEP Envirolution Club, live and silent auctions, interactive art exhibits, and a raffle to benefit SWEP.
Doors open at 5pm and the event begins at 6pm. Ticket prices are $10 per adult and $5 for students and children. As part of their annual membership, SVI members are admitted at no charge. SVI Memberships may be purchased anytime online or at the event entrance. Find out more about the 5 Gyres Institute by clicking here.
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ATTENDED THIS EVENT!
Click below for details about the SVI VOY/CE program
