People Are Sick of Plastic Straws: Is Comedy Hurting the Anti-Plastic Movement?
Release Date: 11/08/2024
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the significant return of the Southern Resident orca population, specifically L-Pod, to Penn Cove, Washington, after more than 50 years. This return is particularly poignant given the tragic history of the area, where in the 1970s, a brutal capture event took place. During this event, 80 orcas were corralled using bombs and boats, resulting in the deaths of five orcas and the capture of many others, including Tokite, also known as Lolita, who spent 50 years in captivity before passing away in 2023. The...
info_outline People Are Sick of Plastic Straws: Is Comedy Hurting the Anti-Plastic Movement?How To Protect The Ocean
Are you sick of hearing about plastic straws? Andrew Santino, a comedian, doesn't think that plastic straws are hurting sea turtles even though a video went viral for a scientist pulling a plastic straw from a sea turtle's nose in Costa Rica. Four months later, the same scientist pulled a plastic fork from a sea turtle's nose about 70 kilometres from the original site. In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the influence of comedy on public perception, particularly regarding the anti-single-use plastic movement. He begins by referencing a...
info_outline Navigating the Conference Circuit: Insights from Dr. Isla Hodgson on Back-to-Back Marine Conservation EventsHow To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin interviews Dr. Ayla Hodgson, a marine social scientist and science communicator for the Save Our Seas Foundation. The focus of the conversation is on Isla's experience attending two significant conferences back-to-back: the International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC) in Cape Town, South Africa, and the European Elasmobranch Society (EAS) conference in Greece. IMCC Experience Purpose of Attendance: Isla attended IMCC to present her research on the management and governance of marine protected areas, as well as...
info_outline Climate Change Misinformation: Tracing the Funding to Greedy PeopleHow To Protect The Ocean
Climate change misinformation has been a persistent issue for decades, fueled by campaigns funded by the fossil fuel industry. In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the ongoing struggle to raise awareness about climate change and the detrimental effects of misinformation on public perception and policy. He highlights a recent article from The Cool Down that reveals how organizations are financially supported to spread false narratives and apathy regarding climate change. Andrew reflects on historical examples, such as the successful efforts to...
info_outline The Great Bait Ball: Unraveling the 10 Million Capelin Predation EventHow To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Luen discusses a remarkable predation event that occurred in 2014 in the Barents Sea off the coast of Norway. During this event, approximately 2 million Atlantic cod consumed around 10 million capelin, which is nearly 50% of the capelin population present at the time. The episode highlights how this massive predation event was observed using advanced technology, specifically the Ocean Acoustic Waveguide Remote Sensing System (O-A-W-R-S). This system allowed scientists from MIT and Norway to detect and analyze the behavior...
info_outline Start Small, Stay Consistent: Key Strategies for Effective Science CommunicationHow To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses three key strategies for succeeding in science communication, particularly in the context of ocean conservation. Here’s a summary of those three ways: Overcome the Fear to Begin: Acknowledge that fear and imposter syndrome are common when starting any project, especially in science communication. It's important to understand that it's okay not to know everything. The best way to overcome this fear is to start creating content, even if you don't publish it right away. Practice recording to become...
info_outline The 2024 Living Planet Report: Biodiversity Is Down By 73%How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the 2024 Living Planet Report, titled "A System in Peril," released by WWF and the London Zoological Society. The report highlights a staggering decline in biodiversity, with species populations down by 73% over the last 50 years. Specific regions, such as Latin America and Africa, have seen even more drastic declines, with losses of 95% and 76%, respectively. Lewin emphasizes the importance of biodiversity, explaining that it is crucial for maintaining the stability of ecosystems. He illustrates how losing...
info_outline Building a Network for Ocean Protection: Why Community MattersHow To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lu discusses the importance of finding and building a community focused on ocean conservation. He reflects on his own experiences and the recurring theme of community in his life and work. Andrew emphasizes that being part of a community can provide support, motivation, and a sense of purpose, especially when facing environmental challenges. He shares his journey as a marine biologist in Ontario, Canada, and how he has sought to connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about ocean conservation. He highlights...
info_outline Restoring Thailand's Coastlines: The Promise and Pitfalls of Mangrove ProjectsHow To Protect The Ocean
Key Considerations for Restoring Mangroves Site Selection: It is crucial to choose appropriate locations for planting mangroves. Areas that are prone to tidal flooding may not be suitable, as seedlings can drown. Historical mangrove sites may no longer be viable due to changes in land and sea levels. Long-Term Planning: Restoration efforts should focus on the longevity of the mangrove ecosystem. This includes monitoring the planted areas over time to ensure that seedlings survive and grow into established mangrove forests. Biodiversity: Avoid monoculture planting (e.g., only red mangroves) as...
info_outline Cruise Ships and Ocean Pollution: The Hidden Impact of Scrubber TechnologyHow To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the environmental impact of cruise ships, particularly focusing on the use of scrubbers that release toxic chemicals directly into the ocean. Cruise ships are likened to floating cities, providing travelers with unique experiences while visiting various destinations. However, the pollution generated by these ships is often overlooked. A recent study highlights that many cruise ships, especially those operating in Alaska, utilize a technology called open-loop scrubbers to clean their exhaust. While these...
info_outlineAre you sick of hearing about plastic straws? Andrew Santino, a comedian, doesn't think that plastic straws are hurting sea turtles even though a video went viral for a scientist pulling a plastic straw from a sea turtle's nose in Costa Rica. Four months later, the same scientist pulled a plastic fork from a sea turtle's nose about 70 kilometres from the original site.
In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the influence of comedy on public perception, particularly regarding the anti-single-use plastic movement. He begins by referencing a stand-up bit by comedian Andrew Santino, who humorously questions the narrative surrounding plastic straws and their impact on sea turtles. Santino's comedic approach raises concerns for Lewin, who worries that audiences may take such jokes seriously and dismiss the real issues of plastic pollution.
Lewin emphasizes that while comedy can be entertaining, it can also perpetuate misinformation. He highlights the viral incident of a sea turtle with a plastic straw lodged in its nose, which became a symbol for the dangers of single-use plastics. Despite the comedic dismissal of such incidents, Lewin argues that they are significant and represent a larger problem of plastic pollution affecting marine life.
The episode underscores the power comedians hold in shaping public discourse. Lewin points out that many people rely on comedians for information, which can lead to misunderstandings about environmental issues. He expresses concern that jokes trivializing the impact of plastics may lead to apathy or skepticism about the anti-single-use plastic movement.
Ultimately, Lewin calls for a deeper understanding of the issue, urging listeners to recognize plastic straws as a gateway to the broader problem of plastic pollution. He invites feedback from the audience on their thoughts regarding the role of comedy in environmental advocacy, highlighting the need for accurate communication in the fight against plastic waste.
Video of Sea Turtle with Plastic Straw in its nose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wH878t78bw&t=401s
Video of Sea Turtle with Plastic Fork in its nose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRiTABRQOjk&t=8s
Sign Up for Updates on the process: www.speakupforblue.com/oceanapp
Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc
YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube