Name: June Binnard

Social Justice Group: 2022-2023, Environment: Microplastics

Date of Fieldwork: January 20, 2023

Name of Organization and person (people) with whom you met and their title(s):Erica Cirino of the Plastic Pollution Coalition

Type of Fieldwork: Interview

What I did and what I learned about my topic, activism, social justice work or civil and human rights work from this fieldwork?[:: :

My social justice organization joined a google meet with Erica Cirino, the Communications Manager of the Plastic Pollution Coalition, on January 20, 2023, at 12:15 p.m. She has spent the last ten years investigating the problem of microplastics, nanoplastics, and microfibers in our society as a science writer, author, and artist. In her most recent book, Thicker Than Water: The Quest for Solutions to the Plastic Crisis, she discusses the problems that plastic poses to various ecosystems, shares personal accounts from the communities that are most adversely affected by pollution worldwide, and outlines effective prevention measures to stop plastic from further harming the environment and its inhabitants.

Erica was a great person to interview, as she had lots of personal experience in the field and was very knowledgeable about our issue. She discussed how microplastics are present in all things, including our food and water, and how when we consume those things, the plastic enters our bodies. This issue has an impact on many marine creatures, including whales, fish, and sea turtles. Erica suggested a few ideas, such as avoiding plastic water bottles and once more purchasing clothing that isn’t made of plastic. Since we will be responsible for solving this issue in the future, she believes it is crucial for young people to be aware of it.