SAS Project: Plastic Free Cities
This page profiles an individual project associated with the Trash-Free Waters South Atlantic Strategy (SAS). For additional information about this effort, or to get involved, please reach out to the project contact identified below.
On this page:
Key Information
Project Title: Plastic Free Cities
SAS Goal: Goal 4: Encourage source reduction by affecting behavior change and increasing awareness of the impact of upstream communities on coastal areas.
SAS Action: 4.1.1
Project Status: Active
Project Timeline: July 2022-August 2024
Project Location: Miami, FL (with focus on communities around the Miami River, including Hialeah, Doral, and City of Miami)
Funding Amount: Roughly $800,000
Funding Sources: NOAA Marine Debris Prevention Program + Ocean Conservancy matched funding
Project Contact
Name: Maggie Winchester
Title: Florida Conservation Specialist
Affiliation: Ocean Conservancy
Email: mwinchester@oceanconservancy.org
Telephone: 202-788-0650
Detailed Project Information
Description: Plastic Free Cities is an initiative spearheaded by non-profit organizations Ocean Conservancy, Debris Free Oceans, and Big Blue & You that empowers youth to prevent plastic pollution in their neighborhoods by engaging businesses in reducing single-use plastics. High schools participate in a series of interactive training workshops about plastic pollution, sustainable business practices, public speaking, elevator pitching, and more. These trainings equip students with resources and hard- and soft-skills they will take into their communities to provide local business owners with tailored recommendations on how to reduce single-use plastics and save money in their business.
Project Partners: Debris Free Oceans, Big Blue & You
Current Project Outcomes: In the first year of the program, 57 students participated and conducted 25 business visits over 5 canvassing days. Students self-reported increases in their knowledge of plastic pollution and sustainable business, and all students that conducted business visits reported increases in confidence public speaking. Businesses were largely receptive to the students, and local elected officials presented certificates of appreciation to the students for their work. In the second year of the grant, we aim to collect information on the amount of plastic waste diverted through the switches away from single-use plastic.
Long-Term Project Outcomes:
- Greater community awareness around plastic pollution in inland cities
- Behavior changes that lead to reduced single-use plastic waste in community/transported to Biscayne Bay through the Miami River
- Increased awareness around sustainable business practices/how businesses can save money while reducing single-use plastic product reliance.
Associated Links:
- NOAA Marine Debris project webpage: A Plastic-Free Education Campaign in Southeast Florida