Audubon Nature Institute Raises Awareness About Plastic Pollution for World Oceans Day

This week, millions of people from across the planet will celebrate World Oceans Day on June 8. With the theme “Our Oceans, Our Future,” organizations and individuals in more than 100 countries around the world will focus on the prevention of plastic ocean pollution through events in their communities, special announcements and everything in between.

Entergy Giant Screen Theater will host a complimentary screening of A Plastic Ocean at 6 p.m. on June 8. A team of the world’s top scientists and leading filmmakers collaborated to produce a powerful, high-end documentary discussing environmental issues associated with plastic pollution and its impact on the environment, ecosystems and human health.

Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium of the Americas will spread the word about how everyone can play a part in maintaining the health and welfare of the world's oceans during a pair of events on Sunday, June 11.

Audubon Zoo will celebrate World Oceans Day with conservation activities at 11 a.m. at the sea lion pool. Audubon Aquarium will host Oceanfest by offering special educational programs all day throughout the building, including hands-on activities with EPA's Gulf of Mexico Program (GMP), Coastal Wildlife Network, and The Better Bag Challenge.

Zoo and Aquarium staffers will offer suggestions on how to practice ocean conservation by making simple changes in daily life, from bringing reusable bags to the supermarket, to purchasing reusable drinking straws to picking up trash - especially plastic bags.

"It's time to change the mindset that throwing items away for convenience is okay,'' said Courtney Eparvier, Curator of Primates and Sea Lions at Audubon Zoo. "Let's start taking steps to reduce or eliminate plastic from everyday life. Plastic doesn't go away."

The World Oceans Day Youth Advisory Council, in partnership with United Nations Environment’s Clean Seas Campaign, has developed a simple way for the public to take action and express their concern about plastic trash in our waterways this World Oceans Day. Through the website www.keepoceans.blue, people can make a commitment to reduce their use of disposable plastics and encourage others to do the same through sharing on social media using #CleanSeas and #WorldOceansDay.

About World Oceans Day

Coordinated and promoted internationally by The Ocean Project since 2002, World Oceans Day is an annual celebration on June 8 as well as a call for ocean conservation action throughout the year. The United Nations officially recognized World Oceans Day when its General Assembly passed a resolution in late 2008. This unique celebration of our world ocean brings together organizations and key individuals from aquariums, museums, youth groups, schools and universities, businesses, and others, including divers, surfers, sailors, communities of faith, artists, the maritime, recreational and tourism industries, governments, and more. For more information, or to find an event, visit: www.worldoceansday.org.

About The Ocean Project

The Ocean Project advances ocean conservation in partnership with its network of more than 2,000 aquariums, museums, and other youth and visitor-serving organizations in more than 100 countries. A collaborative and strategic communications organization, The Ocean Project supports its network of partner organizations for public engagement and conservation action. The Ocean Project has been the global coordinator of World Oceans Day since 2002, working in partnership with other networks and organizations, to use this unique opportunity to raise the profile of the ocean, its importance in our lives, and how each one of us – no matter where we live – can help by taking action in our communities and our nations. For more information: www.theoceanproject.org.