Program on the Environment

Plastic pollution has increased over the years, leading to more plastic waste runoff into our oceans, harming marine environments. The younger generation has shown a large level of concern for environmental problems, despite having a large concern, many young people do not know specific steps to make an impact on the pollution problem. This study aimed to understand the perspectives that the University of Washington students have on plastic pollution and conclude ways in which we can engage and educate college students on environmental issues. To answer, I focused on advocating for two plastic reduction bills in Washington while interning with Oceana. My main research was accomplished by creating a survey for students about plastic pollution, distributing a petition in favor of the bills, and designing a toolkit to amplify the policies. After concluding my research, I discovered that service learning was an important way to educate and engage students on the environmental issue of plastic pollution. Engagement in policy analysis and providing a toolkit for individuals to engage in can also be added for extra engagement and education. These results are significant because we can reduce overall plastic pollution if more individuals understand the issues and the solutions surrounding it. Service learning can also be used to engage and educate students on any topic in the environmental world.  If plastic pollution is reduced by passing policy, we can help heal the ocean’s biodiversity, decrease the number of marine animals injured, and save humans from plastic contamination.