Rethinking Plastic Pollution: Education, Policy & Ocean Stewardship with Eric Magers

Our oceans are slowly being destroyed by plastic pollution, and marine debris rapidly increases every year with no end in sight. Corrina Bellizzi takes a deep dive into one of the most visible and urgent environmental challenges of our time with Eric Magers, Founder and Executive Director of Seaside Sustainability. Together, they discuss what must be done to minimize and put an end to plastic pollution, from getting rid of single-use plastic to pushing for legislation centered on environmental preservation. Eric also explains the importance of empowering small-scale projects and pushing young people to drive project-based sustainability initiatives. COMPLETE BLOG & TRANSCRIPT: https://caremorebebetter.com/solving-plastic-pollution-in-our-ocean-with-eric-magers/ About Guest: Eric Magers is the Founder and Executive Director of Seaside Sustainability, a nationally recognized nonprofit driving innovative solutions to plastic pollution, marine debris, and climate education. A lifelong educator and award-winning climate leader, Eric was honored at the White House and named Climate Educator of the Year for his pioneering work bridging science, community, and action. He is also the creator of Green Scholars, a nationally award-winning project-based learning course that empowers students to transform their schools through sustainability initiatives. Several schools implementing this program have been recognized as some of the greenest schools in America. Beyond Seaside, Eric is the Founder and CEO of the National STEM Honor Society (NSTEM), which now includes more than 500 chapters and 6,000 members worldwide. Across all his work, Eric’s vision is clear: empower students, schools, and communities with the tools to create systemic change and build a sustainable, innovative future. Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-magers/ Guest Website: https://www.seasidesustainability.org/home Guest Social: https://www.facebook.com/seasusinc https://www.instagram.com/seasusinc/ Additional Resources Mentioned: Trash to Treasure: Exploring What It Takes to Build a Business from Waste with Kelsey Rumburg Solving The Problem Of Plastic Pollution With Judith Enck The Problem with Plastic by Judith Enck Show Notes: 03:33 - How Eric Became An Environmental Educator And Ocean Advocate 10:00 - The Planet’s Big Problem Of Consumer Marine Debris 20:37 - How Environmental Legislation Can Solve Plastic Pollution 28:21 - Why A Total Plastic Ban Would Never Work 34:50 - Seaside Sustainability’s Focus On Plastics And Marine Debris 37:29 - Addressing Environmental Problems Even If You Are Not Seeing Them 49:46 - Plastics Should Never Find Their Way Back Into The Environment 54:57 - Keep Yourself Updated With Google Alerts 58:14 - Discussion Wrap-up And Closing Words BUILD A GREENER FUTURE with CARE MORE BE BETTER Together, we planted 36,044 trees in 2025 through our partnership with ForestPlanet. We screamed past our goal of planting 20,000 trees thanks to subscribers like you! NEW CAUSE PARTNER FOR 2025-2026 SELECTED! If you value open dialogue, sustainability, and social equity, I invite you to support our new cause partner — Prescott College. To learn more about this effort and to support the show, visit: https://caremorebebetter.com/support/ Follow us on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caremorebebetter TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caremorebebetter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caremorebebetter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-better Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.