Empowering Community-Led Solutions through the Ambassador Action Fund
The 5 Gyres Ambassador network is made up of hundreds of individuals using their unique backgrounds and skills to take action against plastic pollution. From scientists and students to artists and activists, this global community exemplifies Margaret Mead's famous words: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
The Ambassador Action Fund was created to support the work of Ambassadors in 5 Gyres’ focus areas: Science, Advocacy, and TrashBlitz. Through this program, 5 Gyres will provide financial support, mentorship, and resources to empower Ambassadors in achieving their goals.
The first round of awardees reflects the diversity and potential within the Ambassador community. These changemakers are driving innovative, community-led, and impactful solutions to create real change in their regions. Here’s a closer look at the projects we’ll be supporting…
Science Action Fund Awardee
Diego Arreola Fernandez | Toronto, Canada
Working under Dr. Chelsea Rochman’s lab at the University of Toronto, Diego’s research project, Garbage-less Groceries, focuses on reducing single-use plastic produce bags in grocery stores. He collected data from 29 grocery store locations in Toronto to assess customer behavior and test various interventions to minimize plastic use. Additionally, Diego worked with some of these local grocery stores to explore more sustainable packaging alternatives. With the insights from his research, Diego aims to expand his study, refine intervention methods, and contribute to broader industry and government discussions on reducing plastic waste in grocery stores globally.
Follow Diego at @diegoarreolaf.
Advocacy Action Fund Awardee
Katie Abare | Charleston, South Carolina
A long-time lover of marshlands, Katie’s advocacy work focuses on addressing plastic pellet pollution in Charleston, where the local port serves as a major hub for plastic exports. Unfortunately, this has led to high concentrations of plastic pellet spills along the East Coast, severely impacting the marsh areas. Through community workshops, Katie educates the public on the issue and organizes the collection of vital data on pellet density. With hopes to advocate for state-level legislation, Katie will utilize her data to push for policies that would protect her local marshlands and the surrounding environment. In addition to her local work, Katie is also helping plan International Nurdle Hunt Day, a day that will engage communities around the world in raising awareness on the growing global issue of plastic pellet (AKA nurdle) pollution.
Follow Katie at @katie.abare.
TrashBlitz Action Fund Awardee
Anna Galipeau | Lake Chelan, Washington
Anna, an environmental scientist, will use the TrashBlitz app to collect waste data in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Her goal is to better understand the sources of trash and develop strategies to prevent future pollution, ultimately preserving the health and beauty of the lake. During a period of low water levels (when more trash is exposed), Anna will lead a group of volunteers to a remote fishing and outdoor recreation area of the lake for a shoreline cleanup. She aims to identify the types of trash collected and use that data to advocate for solutions and garner support from local businesses, such as reducing single-use plastics at nearby establishments. As an added bonus, the data she collects will also contribute to 5 Gyres’ annual Plastic-Free Parks report. By incorporating data into the cleanup efforts, she hopes to drive lasting change in her community and share her findings as a valuable resource to inspire further action.
We are proud to call these inspiring individuals 5 Gyres Ambassadors! Keep an eye on our socials for updates on these projects in the coming months, and stay tuned for the second round of applications (opening this summer). If you’re interested in joining this global community of changemakers, apply to become a 5 Gyres Ambassador today!