Teens Taking Action: Ocean Pollution Solutions

Young people are inheriting a world filled with problems that they did not create. But some are using this as an opportunity to fight for better, cleaner, and more just alternatives. Many teens are passionate about using their creative voices to fight for our oceans. For example, Bow Seat's annual Ocean Awareness Contest challenges teens around the world to explore the connections between human activities and the health of our oceans through art, writing, film, and music. Many focus on plastic pollution and its impact on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.

Beach cleanups

Teens can organise or participate in beach cleanups in their local area. This might involve getting in touch with local organisations or community groups to see what events are already happening, or it could mean taking the initiative to set up a new group. Beach cleanups can be a great way to meet like-minded people and make a tangible difference to the health of the ocean.

When organising a beach cleanup, it is important to have a clear plan and to make sure that everyone involved knows what to do. This might include deciding on a specific area to focus on, providing gloves and rubbish bags, and arranging for the collection of any rubbish that is collected. It is also important to consider health and safety, especially if there are sharp objects or hazardous materials present.

Teens can also get involved in beach cleanups by participating in larger campaigns or competitions. For example, Bow Seat's annual Ocean Awareness Contest challenges teens around the world to explore the connections between human activities and the health of our oceans through art, writing, film, and music. Many of the submissions focus on plastic pollution and its impact on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Bow Seat also hosts the Marine Debris Creative Advocacy Competition, which challenges students to design and lead creative campaigns in their community that fight plastic pollution.

Creative campaigns

Teens can get involved in creative campaigns to help tackle ocean pollution. Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit that encourages young people to use art, writing, film, and music to explore the connections between human activities and the health of our oceans.

One of their annual events is the Marine Debris Creative Advocacy Competition, which challenges students to design and lead creative campaigns in their community that fight plastic pollution. Nearly 7,000 young people worldwide have participated in Bow Seat programs since the organization’s launch in 2011.

Students involved in “The Ripple Effect” campaign led several projects to raise awareness about plastic pollution, including participating in beach cleanups, creating a children’s book about marine debris, building an informational website and social media campaign, hosting an exhibition for their school community, and raising money to purchase a water bottle filling station at their school.

The World Oceans Day Youth Advisory Council is another organisation that works to stop the growing crisis of plastic pollution in the ocean. They encourage youth to get involved in conservation efforts and to share solutions that inspire and activate the global community.

Raising awareness through art, writing, film, and music

Young people are inheriting a world filled with problems that they did not create. Luckily, some are using this as an opportunity to fight for better, cleaner, and more just alternatives.

Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit that activates the next wave of ocean leaders through the arts, science, and advocacy. Their annual Ocean Awareness Contest challenges teens around the world to explore the connections between human activities and the health of our oceans through art, writing, film, and music. Many focus on plastic pollution and its impact on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.

Bow Seat also hosts the Marine Debris Creative Advocacy Competition, which challenges students to design and lead creative campaigns in their community that fight plastic pollution. Nearly 7,000 young people worldwide have participated in Bow Seat programs since the organization’s launch in 2011. All under the age of 18, Bow Seat’s students are artists, activists, and environmental leaders who are making real changes for their local streets, rivers, and coasts.

Teens can also get involved in the World Oceans Day Youth Advisory Council, which is working both behind the scenes and on the front lines to help stop the growing crisis of plastic pollution in the ocean.

Middle school students involved in “The Ripple Effect” campaign led several projects to raise awareness about plastic pollution, including participating in beach cleanups, creating a children’s book about marine debris, building an informational website and social media campaign, hosting an exhibition for their school community, and raising money to purchase a water bottle filling station at their school.

Advocacy competitions

Teens can get involved in advocacy competitions to help raise awareness about ocean pollution. Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit that runs an annual Ocean Awareness Contest challenging teens around the world to explore the connections between human activities and the health of our oceans through art, writing, film, and music. Many of the submissions focus on plastic pollution and its impact on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Bow Seat also hosts the Marine Debris Creative Advocacy Competition, which challenges students to design and lead creative campaigns in their community that fight plastic pollution.

The World Oceans Day Youth Advisory Council is another platform for teens to get involved in advocacy. The council works behind the scenes and on the front lines to help stop the growing crisis of plastic pollution in the oceans.

Teens can also take inspiration from "The Ripple Effect" campaign, where middle school students led several projects to raise awareness about plastic pollution, including participating in beach cleanups, creating a children's book about marine debris, building an informational website and social media campaign, hosting an exhibition for their school community, and raising money to purchase a water bottle filling station at their school.

Joining a community of young ocean activists

Another example of a community of young ocean activists is "The Ripple Effect" campaign, which involves middle school students leading projects to raise awareness about plastic pollution. These projects have included beach cleanups, creating a children's book about marine debris, building an informational website and social media campaign, hosting an exhibition for their school community, and raising money to purchase a water bottle filling station at their school.

The World Oceans Day Youth Advisory Council is also working to stop the growing crisis of plastic pollution in the ocean and encourages youth involvement in conservation efforts.

By joining communities like these, teens can connect with other passionate individuals, learn from each other, and amplify their voices in the fight against ocean pollution. Together, they can develop creative solutions, raise awareness, and inspire their communities to take action for the protection of our oceans.

Frequently asked questions