This month’s Speaker Series will feature Erika Bernal, leader of the Plastic Wave Project, and Ortley Beach resident Bob Farrell, who helped develop a biodegradable straw. They will explain what microplastics are, why they are detrimental to our environment, and alternatives to these plastics.
Date: November 18
Time: 7-8 p.m
Location: Online (See below)
Born and raised in Newark, NJ, a trip to the beach was extra special for Bernal. She quickly fell in love with the sea and all of its creatures and from a very young age she knew she wanted to study the ocean. She enrolled in a 5-year program at Montclair State University, where she was able to obtain her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Marine Biology & Coastal Sciences. For her thesis, Bernal focused on the effects of microplastics on oysters. She was first introduced to marine debris when she started volunteering on a shellfish project. Since then, Erika has been passionate about bringing awareness to the global plastic problem by public speaking at events in hopes of creating a more sustainable planet. She also is a leader of the Plastic Wave Project, a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the harmful effects of plastic pollution in our oceans and communities.
As an avid surfer, Bob Farrell cares about nature, so he decided to do something about it. He worked with his partners in overseas companies to make a straw from totally natural materials. Grass Straws are all natural, earth-friendly, compostable, durable (unlike paper) and biodegradable. He now sells these grass straws and is doing his part to offer a great alternative to plastic to help save our planet.
This is a virtual event.
LOG IN INFORMATION
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5507439763?pwd=RkJOL2cyK05NSTZjMllaV0tYZ0xlQT09
Meeting ID: 550 743 9763
Passcode: Shino
Or call 1-929-205-6099
This event is generously funded through a grant from OceanFirst Foundation.