Have you ever wanted to sail across the Pacific Ocean on a rickety raft made entirely from empty plastic bottles? Me neither. But Dr. Marcus Eriksen and Joel Paschal did just that, to raise awareness about the sickening amount of plastics that pollute our waters. After three months and thousands of miles, the crew of JUNK will be honored tonight at Smooth’s Sports Grille with a massive celebration that brings together some of the most progressive environmental organizations.
Below, see a video of some of the disturbing effects that plastic is having on the ocean and its ecosystem.
Tonight’s event is hosted by University By The Sea, which captivated the city last year and will be returning on October 5. U-Sea will be joined by the Long Beach Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation – which has tirelessly campaigned to bring waves back to the city and, more recently, to amend the breakwater – and Friends of the L.A. River. The two environmental groups will speak at the event and raise awareness for their causes. There is no admission charge but $10 donations that will benefit both organizations equally are suggested.
The night will begin with a documentary made by Cal State Long Beach student Jody Lemmon entitled “Cola Kayak, A Journey Down The L.A. River,” which follows Dr. Marcus Ericksen on a 52-mile trek on a makeshift raft of Sprite bottles.
Friends of the LA River will then speak and Long Beach Surfrider will show a short documentary of their own – this time about the history of the breakwater. Finally, the evening will be wrapped up with an announcement from Smooth’s owner John Morris “regarding the Port of Long Beach’s financial involvement in research for reconfiguration of the Long Beach Breakwater,” according to a press release.
Hmmmm…
Come shake the hands of men who lived on raw fish and peanut butter for three months to show us that we must start taking better care of our environment.
By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor
Disclosure: Smooth’s Sports Grille is an advertiser of the lbpost.com.