In the last several years, entrepreneur and environmental activist Emily Chartrand has done a lot: raising funds for a village in Mexico and then travelling to see the village first hand; educating herself about the harmful effects of plastic and joining the Midway Journey. Emily has founded local plastic-free movements, given TV interviews, speaks to school audiences and has prepared educational materials being used at schools in British Columbia. Did we mention she’s still in high school?
We interviewed Emily to find out more about Midway, Mexico and going plastic-free. This is a two-part interview. In this first part of our interview, Emily discusses the problem of plastics and her experience on Midway Island.
Parvati Magazine: Can you sum up what the major problems are with plastic and our ecosystem, especially the ocean?
Emily Chartrand: I think that society needs to realize that single-use items such as a plastic water bottle, coffee cup, plastic cutlery, etc. have a lasting effect on the environment and may never go away. I read somewhere that each square mile of ocean surface off the northeast coast of the U.S. has more than 46,000 pieces of plastic floating in it. That’s disgusting and something needs to change!
PMAG: Can you sum up the significance of Midway Island when it comes to plastic pollution?
EC: Midway is significant because it’s located directly in the North Pacific Garbage Patch so it’s hit with a lot more plastic than any other island. It also has the largest Laysan Albatross population of the world and we’re seeing the plastic inside their stomachs. Midway is such a beautiful place, yet there’s such a horrible tragedy happening there.
PMAG: How did you find out about Midway Journey and what prompted you to get involved?
EC: I was first exposed to the problems that Midway is facing and Midway Journey when I was speaking at a goal-setting forum in January 2010. When I first saw cinematographer Jan Vozenilek’s footage of a plastic bottle cap coming out of a dead bird’s stomach it hit me that I needed to do something about this problem. Immediately I founded Plastic Free Penticton Secondary, and co-founded Plastic Free Penticton, to reduce our school’s and city’s plastic consumption, and organized world-renowned social activist Chris Jordan, alongside Vozenilek, to speak to the student body about plastic pollution.
PMAG: What was it like for you to be a part of the Midway Journey crew?
EC: I was really nervous to go to midway. I was just a 17-year-old girl leaving home for three weeks with a team who were virtually strangers to me. However, as we spent time together they became like family to me.
I was in awe of the amount of plastic I saw. There were thousands of various pieces of plastic covering not only the shores of Midway but also inland. This puzzled me so I had to ask why I was seeing numerous toothbrushes, lighters, bottle caps and various other materials on the ground. I found out that birds ingest plastic and then bring it to the island where they die and the plastic remains forever.
PMAG: For those who don’t feel ready to go completely plastic-free yet, what are some simple changes that would make a difference?
EC: Always remember to bring a stainless steel water bottle with you wherever you go. If you must buy a drink when you’re out, get one in a glass bottle instead of a plastic one. When you’re at a bulk foods store, bring jars instead of using plastic bags, and have the cashier weigh them before you fill them. I have To Go Ware, a small cutlery set in a case that I carry around in my purse with me so I don’t have to use plastic ones. With things like granola bars and other packaged snacks, plastic can be hard to avoid, but I find myself eating healthier now without those things. Instead of a granola bar I’ll throw an extra apple in my bag. There are so many things that you can do if you set your mind to it. Just don’t give up and go for it with all that you have!!
Continues in Part 2.