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

Well, I'm tickled pink at seeing this profile on my friend, boss and mentor Anna Cummins in the latest issue of Women's Adventure (PS, if you click on the link you can get a free digital subscription to the mag and read the piece!). As a man in the ocean conservation movement I've always thought women are under-represented and deserve more shout-outs--- after all, we do refer to this big liquid thing as 'Mother Ocean'. What's crazy is that 9/10 people who contact us at 5G HQ asking the question, 'how can I help' tend to be women.  It's kind of bizarre, really---  or maybe it's not--- maybe it's because women all over the world see a strong, hyper-intelligent woman as a figurehead of our organization who is not only extremely dedicated, she gets sh$#%t done. As a co-founder of 5 Gyres she's got a long history of engagement--- she has been a tireless advocate for all things good in the world ever since she was old enough to speak up enough to speak out.  

I first met Anna when she was doing work in The North Pacific Gyre and I sought her out to write for a magazine I was editing. I had been working on plastic issues a bit as a volunteer for The Surfrider Foundation, but my knowledge of the issue was limited.  Originally my inspiration to work on this veritable marine eco-disaster came from being a surfer and seeing my home-breaks being affected by plastic garbage.  But once I read Anna's story it set me on a path that would forever change the scope of my work and my passion for life, really.  

I helped organize an event for her when she was passing through my hometown of Portland after a project she had completed with her husband, Marcus, called Junkraft.  When I met her in person, about a year later, it was like meeting a celebrity--- or let me rephrase that--- I don't giddy about seeing rockstars or actors, but true, badass eco-warriors like Anna????? Yeah--  I get really excited.  I point blank asked her, "How do I get on your boat? I can sail, I can cook, I can clean toilets."  She invited me right there.  I sailed with her about six months later.  And in the middle of The North Atlantic Garbage Patch, saddened by what I saw firsthand, but also inspired by the smart people I was with who were trying to make a difference, I quit my job and decided to work for her full time. Because she's that awesome. Cheers Ms. Cummins.  Congrats on the piece, you're an inspiration to me and many and I'm forever grateful to you for giving me a chance to be a part of something that has made my life one with true purpose and meaning.