5 Gyres - Understanding Plastic Pollution Through Exploration, Education, and Action

BOULDER, Colorado. Special Agent Close Call, aka, Sara Close, 5 Gyres's Development Director Reporting in From The Field. 

A HUGE thank you is in order for Mandy Stepanovsky’s brilliant class of 5^th grade students at the Friend’s School.  Based in Boulder, Colorado, I had the opportunity to visit on Monday morning – and I can’t think of a better way to have started my week.

Prior to leaving for the South Atlantic expedition in late-December, Ms. Stepanovsky and I corresponded about introducing the topic of plastic pollution and the gyres in to the science curriculum for her class.  After introducing them to the subject via a ‘mini-unit’, we decided to test some new waters – a virtual teaching classroom via Skype.  For about ten minutes, I spoke to them about my work with 5 Gyres and the trip I was about to embark on, and then each of the kids took turns coming up to the computer camera and asking me questions.

Not only did it work incredibly well, but it gave the students an opportunity to personally meet with someone who is connected with the issue – even though I was entirely across the country in Virginia.   I was amazed at the level of enthusiasm, intellect and concern for this issue demonstrated by the class – and considered myself lucky to have had the opportunity to ‘meet’ them via Skype.

Well, then I got to meet them in person.  I am blown away by this class.

Not only did they follow the 5 Gyres blog during the expedition and continue to study this issue, but they were encouraged as a class to run with their ideas of how to contribute to a solution.  Thus, not only did they initiate and conduct their own outreach and education campaign in the school, giving presentations to all of the classes from K-5, but they also got crafty.  Gathering plastic trash from other classrooms in the school, the students designed and constructed planters into which they planted an array of herbs and vegetables. 

The beautiful array of colorful, repurposed plastic planters sit on the windowsill in their classroom, where they are attended to and watered daily.  Once fully grown, the class intends to sell them as a means to raise funds, and donate the proceeds to 5 Gyres.

The level of understanding, compassion and sincere desire to help evident in this class makes me reminded – as I thankfully am, quite often – of why I love my job, and why I’ll never question my belief of investing in and educating kids for a brighter, plastic-free tomorrow.