Plastic Free BC

🌊 Happy World Environment Day!

We’re celebrating Ocean Week and World Environment Day by spotlighting a solution in microplastic pollution! 🌍

Scientists in China have created a biodegradable sponge made from cotton and squid bone that can soak up 99.9% of microplastics from water! 🧽✨

But how? This incredible combination of natural materials (squid bone chiton and cotton cellulose) has the ability to trap microplastics which effectively removes them from the surrounding water. Because of its simple design, this sponge would be cheap to make, reusable, and incredibly effective in real-world water sources like lakes, irrigation ditches, even seawater.

Why would we need a magical squid sponge? Sadly, microplastics are everywhere (from clouds to trenches in the deep sea) and have been found in human organs, drinking water, and even placentas. This sponge could help soak up these fibers, ideally in their “pre-ocean” stages.

It’s still in development, but future uses could include:

🚿 Municipal water systems

🏡 Household water filters

🧼 Dishwashers & washing machines

It’s not the end solution, and it is better to act on upstream measures like using reusable items, but it’s an excellent step when it comes to clean-up.

👉Read the paper here: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn8662

What are your thoughts on this microplastics fighting sponge? Comment below!

📣 YOUTH OPPORTUNITY ALERT 📣

UN Ocean Conference 2025 🌊 in Nice, France
this June 9-13th 2025

Conference Access + Mentorship + Media Experience

Are you an Early Career Ocean Professional (ECOP) between the ages of 19–30 with a passion for ocean conservation, sustainability, and storytelling?

I’m thrilled to offer a badge to join me at the UN Ocean Conference 2025.

🌍 What’s included: 🌍
✔️ Accredited ticket to attend UNOC 2025 as part of the Plastic Free BC delegation
✔️ One-on-one mentorship before and during the conference
✔️ Behind-the-scenes exposure to high-level global ocean discussions
✔️ A chance to build your network and strengthen your voice as a youth advocate

What you’ll offer in return:
📱 Support with social media content (e.g., Instagram posts or blog articles for our website)
✍️ A passion for communication and a desire to amplify key takeaways from the conference
🫶 A team-player mindset and willingness to support a small, youth-led non-profit

DISCLAIMER: This offer covers the conference pass ONLY. The successful candidate will be responsible for their own travel, insurance, accommodation, and conduct. We cannot offer any financial support.

👉🏻 If you’re an ECOP with a creative eye, a strong voice, and a commitment to ocean solutions, I’d love to hear from you! Comment below your interest and SEND me a message with the following:

💬 A short intro about you
🌊 Why ocean work matters to you
✍️ What you’ll gain from attending UNOC

DEADLINE: FRIDAY, May 16th 2025, 23:59 (PST)

Not able to attend yourself? SHARE this post or TAG a young ocean leader in the comments who you think would benefit from a UNOC delegate badge!!

🤟🏻Let’s get a young deserving leader a badge!!

🇫🇷🌍 Plastic Free BC to attend the UN OCEAN CONFERENCE!!! 🇫🇷🌍

We have secured registration and are officially heading to the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France this June! 🇫🇷🌍

We’re beyond excited to join global leaders, youth advocates, and ocean professionals from around the world to push for bold, transformative action to protect our ocean. From plastic pollution to marine biodiversity, this is where the future of ocean governance is shaped—and we’re honoured to be part of it. 💙

Special shout out to who are supporting us in our journey to attend!

Stay tuned as we share behind-the-scenes insights, amplify youth voices, and represent community-driven solutions on the international stage. 🌎💬

🌊 WHO ELSE IS ATTENDING? Comment below 👇🏻 if you secured your spot, or if you are actively searching for accreditation! 👀

Our little, LIVING Christmas tree!! 🎄⭐️

It’s the age old battle…. Cut down a living tree or use reusable plastic one every year?

This year I wanted to try out a living Christmas tree. One option is to rent a tree and have it delivered and taken away like with !🎄⭐️

However, we went with our own DIY version. We picked up this little Spruce tree from a garden centre.

Although this little tree isn’t as grand as the plastic or cut ones, it works pretty well in our tiny apartment and was super affordable to boot 😆 It will get planted in my parents garden, maybe for next year!

What sustainable tree option do you go for?

✨ZERO WASTE GIFT GUIDE!✨

Tag your favourite small BC business to share some love this holiday season! Thank you for this uplifting idea!

If you need some inspiration for last minute holiday gifts, but want some sustainable options… Swipe to see a few suggestions 💡🎄

I also linked a few of my personal favourites in my linktree. These links also support me, so thank you for stopping by! 🔗

HAPPY NEWS FOR OUR OCEAN!! What you missed last month for BC

July 2024: Happy News for the Ocean With wildfires and climate change dominating British Columbia's news headlines this month, let's take a moment to celebrate some positive developments that benefit ocean health and coastal communities.1. The Province of BC has released its Coastal Marine Strategy In a landmark initiative, the Provin...

Looking for a sustainable way to explore the world? 🌍 Consider housesitting as your new eco-friendly solution! From reducing single-use plastics to supporting local economies, housesitting lets you travel responsibly (and save money!) while caring for adorable pets. 🐶🐱 Check out our latest blog post to learn HOW to become a housesitter.

https://wix.to/RbtLxDP

It has been 1 week since the plastic bag ban was implemented in BC. What you need. to know in a 2 minute read: https://wix.to/gthUupm

Plastic Free July is NOT just about reducing your single-use plastics. So then, what IS it about? https://wix.to/GHtBe6t

What is Plastic Free July? What is Plastic Free July and Why It's Beneficial to Your Community to ParticipatePlastic Free July is a global movement that challenges individuals to refuse single-use plastics for the entire month of July. Initiated in 2011 by the Plastic Free Foundation, this campaign aims to raise awareness abo...

Happy World Ocean Day! 🌊

Today, take time to reflect on your relationship with the ocean and celebrate it. If you're keen to attend an event, there are lots of activities to choose from. So, we've compiled a list of our top 5 events happening in BC this week!

1. ’s Journey to the Deep Sea: A Special Ship2Shore Presentation

Want to learn more about seamounts, hydrothermal events, cold seeps, and the threats that these ecosystems face? For World Ocean’s Day, Fisheries and Oceans Canada scientists will be delivering a deep dive into BC’s Deep Sea Ecosystems.

Address: VANCOUVER- 515 West Hastings Street
Date: Thursday June 8th, 7pm

2. Cleanup at Kits Beach

Join Foundation in coastal restoration at local hub Kitsilano Beach. Clean, sort, and have fun! Bring gear if you have it.

Address: VANCOUVER- 1252 Arbutus Street
Date: Saturday, June 10th, 9:30am to 12pm

3. ’s Building Bridges Networking Event

Want to attend a fun, engaging, open-mic networking event for ocean professionals in Victoria? Join Ocean Wise and a community of ocean champions at KWENCH in Victoria, BC.

Address: VICTORIA- 2031 Store Street
Date: June 10th, 5-7pm

4. ’s Art and Science of Seaweed

Seaweeds Researcher Dr. Patrick Martone and artist Josie Iselin will be joining forces this Saturday for an intersectional workshop on the joys of seaweeds.

Address: SIDNEY- 9811 Seaport Place
Date: June 10th, 6-8pm

5. ’s FREE Film Screenings with BCEFF

Co-hosted by the Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition () and the British Columbia Environmental Film Festival, we’re unlocking a treasure trove of spellbinding Canadian and international aquatic-themed films.

Date: June 2nd - June 11th
Virtual and free!




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Want to learn more about waste reduction at the community level? For World Environment Day, Kara will be joining a panel of leaders in plastics mitigation to discuss our individual responsibility to embrace circular economy principles and drive market change.

🌍 Join us for an enlightening session on "The Power of One: Your Role in Reducing Plastic Pollution"! 🌱

Are you concerned about the escalating plastic waste crisis and eager to make a positive impact? Then this session is perfect for you! We are excited to invite you to an engaging discussion where we will explore practical solutions to address plastic waste and create a more sustainable future.

Date: 4th June
Time: 8:00 pm (GMT+5)
Location: Zoom
Register here: bit.ly/WED2023Plastic