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<div>I grew up in the pristine pine forests of Colorado and on the idyllic shoreline of South Carolina. My entire value system is oriented around being gentle, appreciative, and improving what I can. I always consider, and rue, the effects of human pollution in the places I treasure.
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<div>One such treasured place I've had the good fortune of visiting are the islands in the Caribbean Sea. Ubiquitously known as a desirable destination, my leisurely experience in the region was lovely but interrupted. I've walked through white sand beaches punctuated with shells and styrofoam - compelling me to invest time in beach cleanups on Grand Cayman's North Side. We've snorkeled and adored fish throughout the Sea, then cut and dragged fishing line from the same reef.
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<div>Now, I'm fundraising to visit some Caribbean islands again, only this time, leisure can take a hike. A group of women will set sail to research marine plastic pollution and I'm going to join them.
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<div>The group is eXXpedition, a research mission with a goal "to help people truly connect with the plastic crisis and discover their unique role in tackling it." Here's more from eXXpedition's site:
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<li>It all began when Emily – our founder – uncovered 29 banned toxic pollutants in her blood – an alarming discovery that pushed her to connect the dots between plastic, the ocean and human health. This experience was one of the catalysts for eXXpedition’s first all-women voyage in 2014.
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<li>Since then, eXXpedition has run 29 missions with 274 participants, of 41 nationalities and inspired action through scientific studies, global media coverage, a thriving online community, and collaborations with hundreds of partners.
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<li>In 2019 eXXpedition launched Round The World. This pioneering trip was cut short due to Covid but successfully completed virtuality.
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<li>More recently, eXXpedition has worked on upstream solutions with businesses, governments and communities across the world through the SHiFT Platform and Maldives SHiFT.
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<li>Now, after five years focused on land-based projects, eXXpedition is heading back to sea and launching an exciting new chapter.
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<div>This is where my role comes in. I've been invited to join the Caribbean Sea voyage scheduled from late December into early January. My time with eXXpedition will be one leg of the trip. I'll be photographing the experience on top of my crew responsibilities, like logging specimens, recording data, and providing sailing support as a deck hand.
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<div>Ensuring my contribution to the marine microplastic solution is a greater financial investment than I can afford on my resources alone. And that's where <strong><em>you</em></strong> come in. To accept eXXpedition's offer, crew members are responsible for a <strong>$6,750 fee</strong>. This fee covers the 7 days of participation, including accommodation, all meals on board, and safety equipment. Then, there is the cost of travel and transfers to and from vessel, and personal travel insurance.
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<div>We're all familiar with the usual call to actions. "No amount is too small". "Anything helps." Because it's true. Anything does, truly, help. I'm humbled to share a financial need, and the ability to even participate in this expedition is one I do not take for granted.
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<div>My gratitude for your support can't be overstated, and I thank you in advance for sharing, donating, or simply taking the time to look into what eXXpedition has accomplished so far.
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<div>With high hopes,
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<div>Jess
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Phivi Spyridonos

Lourdes McKnight

Donovan Moore

Jhoel Prevendido

Max Kristula-Green

Maggie McKenna

Anonymous

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Claudia Imhoff

Help Jess Sail for a Plastic-Free Ocean

Help Jess Sail for a Plastic-Free Ocean

Still $1,448 to go. Help us build momentum.