The phrase “plastic free” is about making choices. It’s little decisions that we make every day, like the kinds of produce I buy at the grocery store, the skin care products I use in the morning, and the items I get online from Amazon – looking for the least amount of packaging.

Working towards arriving at societal consensus in demanding regulatory and political changes to eliminate the overuse of plastics and achieving worldwide investment in green infrastructure to switch to new innovations and alternatives.

Eliminating plastic waste is so important in an island community surrounded by fragile marine waters.

I believe, here in the heart of the San Juan Islands, we can dive a little deeper and experience more fully our relationships to one another and all the living creatures who call this place home.

I value our pristine ecosystems both marine and terrestrial on the San Juan Islands and see responsible waste management as a part of that important stewardship.

As a scuba diver, I’ve seen first hand the impact of single-use plastics on our waterways. My first method of defense is to refuse and reduce.