There's a lot of trash in the ocean, and I can think of few problems as well-designed for upstream thinking.
Take the Great Pacific Garbage Patch for example. Plastics and other debris ride the currents out to the Pacific Ocean until they become trapped in the vortex. Do we work on cleaning up the mess that's there, or do we look upstream to address how plastic ended up in the ocean in the first place?
This question has parallels in other social impact areas as well.
Take the food banks for example. Handing out food to those who need it is important, though it doesn't address why someone can't afford food in the first place. We're not addressing the root cause, and the root cause is where sustainable impact originates.
That said, I'm a firm believer that we need solutions throughout the entire pipeline. With problems of this scale, we have to work everywhere.
This week's reads are meant to highlight work in oceans, rivers, and environmental policy that impacts ocean conservation efforts at multiple stages. That includes you and me: one way to make a difference is to reduce the amount of plastic in your consumer diet and seek out biodegradable options when you can. Voting with your wallet makes a difference – demand is its own form of change management.
- Greg (@gregrancourt)
P.S. Interested in a particular type of job or topic? DM me on Twitter or send us an email at hello@onework.co with your suggestions!
In this issue:
- Cleaning up the world's waters
- Eliminating single-use plastics
- Restoring the coral reefs
- Find a meaningful career
Join the conversation
Join us on Twitter to continue the conversation: What are your favorite ocean conservation brands? Give them a shout out and @ mention us (that'd be @joinonework) on Twitter 🐋
This week's reads
Oops, cleaning the Great Pacific Garbage Patch was probably a bad idea
Big efforts to pick up plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch can harm sea life and produce carbon emissions. This article is worth reading for a more nuanced take on ocean conservation efforts.
How three companies are cleaning up the world's plastic-choked rivers
Every year, up to 2.97 million tons of plastic enter the ocean through rivers. Here's how companies around the world are trying to clean these rivers up.
Biden administration announces new ocean conservation proposals
The Biden administration announced a raft of ocean-related conservation efforts on World Oceans Day, including ending the use of single-use plastics on federal lands and a proposed marine sanctuary off the coast of New York.
Ralph Pace tells ocean conservation story through photos
Photojournalist Ralph Pace shows how scientists are helping turtles, swordfish and other marine life.
Reef restoration
In addition to ocean cleanup, some organizations are working to restore coral reefs damaged by human activity and global warming. One of the methods used to repair coral reefs is to submerge structures on which new corals can grow – such as the ones shown below in the Maldives.
Global warming is particularly damaging to corals, since many can only sustain a fluctuation of a few degrees Celsius before bleaching. When they do, it can take decades to recover.
Find a meaningful career
Ocean Conservancy
Ocean Conservancy works to protect the ocean from today’s greatest challenges. They create science-based solutions for a healthy ocean.
Membership Marketing Manager - Washington, DC
Trash Free Seas Administrative Assistant - Portland, OR
Director of I.T. Operations - Washington, DC
Director of Internal Communications - Remote
Director of Ocean Justice - Remote
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA works to better understand our natural world and help protect its precious resources.
IT Specialist - Silver Spring, MD
Budget Analyst - Tuscaloosa, AL
Writer-Editor - Silver Spring, MD
Facility Operations Specialist - Charleston, SC
Discovery Education
Discovery Education inspires educators to go beyond traditional learning with award-winning digital content and professional development.
Associate Product Manager - Charlotte, NC
Senior Manager, Social Impact Partnership Development - Remote
Senior Financial Analyst, Financial Planning and Analysis - Charlotte, NC
4ocean
Every 4ocean bracelet purchased funds the removal of one pound of trash from the ocean and coastlines.
Head of Social Media - Boca Raton, FL
Partnership Sales Associate - Boca Raton, FL
Social Media Engagement Advocate - Remote
Director of Sales - Boca Raton, FL
Impactfully No. 10: Upstream for oceans
Plastics and other debris ride the currents out to the Pacific Ocean until they become trapped in the vortex. Do we work on cleaning up the mess that's there, or do we look upstream to address how plastic ended up in the ocean in the first place?