eXXpedition - South Pacific Gyre 2020
Donation protected
“It was billions of micro actions that created the problem and billions of micro actions that can help save it. It all starts with us.”– Emily Penn co-founder of eXXpedition.
Why now?
· A million plastic bottles are purchased around the world every minute.
· It is predicted that by 2050, there will be more micro plastic by weight, in the ocean than fish.
· Every single piece of plastic ever made still exists. Plastic in the ocean and in the world is unfortunately here to stay.
· Plastic does not bio-degrade, it breaks down into micro plastic and releases toxins that negatively affect our health.
· Only 9% of plastic is recycled globally
We can help find solutions by reducing our daily use and manufacture of single use plastic. More research is required into the impacts these toxins have on our health and the environment plus the link between cancer and these toxins on our bodies.
In March 2020, I will embark on a voyage of eXXpedition sailing three and a half weeks on a 72-foot scientific sailboat through the South Pacific Gyre. Starting at Easter Island, researching one of the worlds most polluted islands, our team will be given first hand experiences as we meet with a local community organisation to look at the plastic pollution challenges on land.
eXXpedition aims to highlight the local and global environmental and health implications of the use and disposal of plastics, allowing individuals to make more informed decisions regarding consumption and encourage improved waste management practices that will benefit everyone.
This is an all-female expedition as generally women are still under represented in the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) sectors, and occupy only 13% of the STEM workforce. The expedition hopes to help redress the balance and encourage more woman to move into science and exploration.
I am thrilled to be part of a team that will study and collect new data to focus on highlighting the devastating impact single-use plastic and toxics from land-based activities are having on our planet’s oceans, ecosystems and on human health. Our goal is to champion and contribute to innovative scientific research to tackle the crisis.
You can be a part of the solution by supporting this mission, the cost of such a scientific voyage is over £10,000 per crew member. All the crew work is done by volunteers. Please know that your generosity will help make a difference.
My goal is to raise at least 60% of my funds by December and then continue to raise support until my departure date. I am grateful to be able to use my energy and enthusiasm, to join this movement to help change the way we think and act regarding single-use plastic. I am looking forward to communicating the challenge of ocean plastic and the potential solutions to a wider audience, post voyage. My aim is to share the knowledge and experience gained, in schools and the local community. Educating children is a very powerful solution to make a difference for the future.
‘It is surely, our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a home not just for us, but for all life on Earth” - Sir David Attenborough
Why now?
· A million plastic bottles are purchased around the world every minute.
· It is predicted that by 2050, there will be more micro plastic by weight, in the ocean than fish.
· Every single piece of plastic ever made still exists. Plastic in the ocean and in the world is unfortunately here to stay.
· Plastic does not bio-degrade, it breaks down into micro plastic and releases toxins that negatively affect our health.
· Only 9% of plastic is recycled globally
We can help find solutions by reducing our daily use and manufacture of single use plastic. More research is required into the impacts these toxins have on our health and the environment plus the link between cancer and these toxins on our bodies.
In March 2020, I will embark on a voyage of eXXpedition sailing three and a half weeks on a 72-foot scientific sailboat through the South Pacific Gyre. Starting at Easter Island, researching one of the worlds most polluted islands, our team will be given first hand experiences as we meet with a local community organisation to look at the plastic pollution challenges on land.
eXXpedition aims to highlight the local and global environmental and health implications of the use and disposal of plastics, allowing individuals to make more informed decisions regarding consumption and encourage improved waste management practices that will benefit everyone.
This is an all-female expedition as generally women are still under represented in the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) sectors, and occupy only 13% of the STEM workforce. The expedition hopes to help redress the balance and encourage more woman to move into science and exploration.
I am thrilled to be part of a team that will study and collect new data to focus on highlighting the devastating impact single-use plastic and toxics from land-based activities are having on our planet’s oceans, ecosystems and on human health. Our goal is to champion and contribute to innovative scientific research to tackle the crisis.
You can be a part of the solution by supporting this mission, the cost of such a scientific voyage is over £10,000 per crew member. All the crew work is done by volunteers. Please know that your generosity will help make a difference.
My goal is to raise at least 60% of my funds by December and then continue to raise support until my departure date. I am grateful to be able to use my energy and enthusiasm, to join this movement to help change the way we think and act regarding single-use plastic. I am looking forward to communicating the challenge of ocean plastic and the potential solutions to a wider audience, post voyage. My aim is to share the knowledge and experience gained, in schools and the local community. Educating children is a very powerful solution to make a difference for the future.
‘It is surely, our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a home not just for us, but for all life on Earth” - Sir David Attenborough
Organizer
Bonita Baker-Robins
Organizer
England
