The Tribune

LOCAL scientist and founder of the Bahamas Plastic Movement Kristal Ambrose recently spearheaded a summer camp that taught its young participants about plastic pollution in hopes of sparking youth action and activism around the issue.

The Plastic Pollution Education and Ocean Conservation camp was held at the Eleuthera Arts and Cultural Centre (EACC) in Tarpum Bay, where 23 youngsters, aged seven to 14, from across South Eleuthera came together to learn about plastic pollution.

The first morning of camp started with an ocean connection activity wherein students took plastics found on local beaches and were asked important questions about what they saw: What is it? Where did it come from? How did it get here?

The science transformed into theatre as the camp counsellors acted out skits which integrated new concepts. The five-day camp continued with more opportunities for young people to creatively interact with the issues of plastics pollution, including: fish dissections, trawling for plastic debris, and solution-based service projects.

Campers visited key on-island locations to better understand waste management systems. From local beaches where marine plastic pollution accumulates, to the Deep Creek landfill, to the Island School campus, young people were exposed to the problems with plastic pollution, and inspired to find real solutions that would serve their local communities and nation. The camp ended with a student-lead solution: a Trashion Fashion Show and education event for the community to raise awareness of plastic pollution. Campers worked together to create poems, songs and skits about the issue to present to the community. They also created jewellery and purses from plastic debris collected from the beaches.

“Our camp was a huge success. We were oversubscribed and accepted way more kids than we originally planned for,” said Ms Ambrose.

“Our students exemplified excitement, courage, bravery and commitment as they engaged in a transformative learning experience. At the end of our programme students walked away with an understanding that they were the solution to pollution. We were able to remove over 1,000 lbs of waste from beaches in Eleuthera in addition to over 200 lbs from beaches in San Salvador and Harbour Island. Not only were students attracted to our programme, but community members were drawn in and were keen on learning with our campers.”

Ms Ambrose said this summer has been an extremely busy one for her given that she has travelled across the Bahamas, the US and Bermuda to raise awareness of plastic pollution under the Bahamas Plastic Movement platform.

“Between June to August alone we successfully engaged over 350 students, 30 teachers and over 300 community members in plastic pollution programming. This equates to nearly 20,000 participant hours. Initiatives included scientific research, beach cleanups, educational presentations and beach plastic jewellery making workshops,” she said.

“Before the year ends we intend on officially launching our ‘Refuse To Use’ campaign which encourages global citizens to take action and say no to using single use plastic items. This will be paired with an educational commercial.”