“Defender Service Awards” Taps Local Nonprofit as a Finalist-Please Vote!
October 2, 2024 Plastic Ocean Project is proud to announce that with their nomination from Land Rover Cape Fear, they have made it to the finals in the 4th annual “Defender Service Awards.” Presented by CHASE, the contest recognizes hard working nonprofits who give back to their communities. The overall winners from six categories will each receive $25,000 and a fully customized Land Rover Defender 130. |
The Third Annual Trash’n Fash’n Show: A Sustainable Extravaganza for a Cause
May 23, 2024 Plastic Ocean Project is thrilled to announce the annual Trash’n Fash’n Show, set to take place on June 1st at the beautiful gardens of the New Hanover County Arboretum. This unique fundraising event promises to be an unforgettable evening of creativity, community, and environmental awareness. |
Plastic Ocean Project to Reveal Findings from Recent Bermuda Expedition at 3rd Annual For the Ocean Gala
April 29, 2024 Plastic Ocean Project returned this month from a 10-day research expedition in the North Atlantic Ocean leaving from Bermuda. This project was in conjunction with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute’s Ocean Flux Program, the longest running open ocean research in the world. |
Seeking Creative Designers for the Third Annual Trash’n Fash’n Show
April 8, 2024 The Trash'n Fash'n Show is back for its 3rd year and calling all creative designers to participate in this exciting event! Organized by The Plastic Ocean Project, the Trash'n Fash'n Show is a unique fashion show that celebrates sustainability and creativity by showcasing outfits made entirely from recycled and reused materials. |
Bronx Teen Joins Plastic Ocean Project on Research Voyage to North Atlantic
March 25, 2024 Plastic Ocean Project has nominated 18-year-old Bronx-native Ethan Cruz to participate in a pioneering environmental study to collect microplastic samples in the North Atlantic Gyre near Bermuda. |
Local Nonprofit Kicks Off 40 Day Plastic-Free Challenge!
February 13, 2024 On Valentine’s Day, February 14th, Plastic Ocean Project, the Wilmington-based nonprofit is kicking off a 40 Day Plastic-Free Challenge. This date also coincides with the first day of Lent. |
Why Is a Local Nonprofit Planting Trees at the NHC Landfill?
December 13, 2023 Since 2019, POP has planted over 1500 trees at the county landfill. POP initiated its Trees4Trash program in response to the devastation caused when Hurricane Florence swept through the area in the fall of 2018. |
Plastic Ocean Project looking for community help to replace damaged equipment
November 30, 2023 An essential piece of equipment called a Microscopic FTIR, is used to determine whether a particle is plastic or organic and was damaged in June 2023. Since then, Plastic Ocean Project has raised nearly $15,000 to fix the damaged equipment. They need to reach $20,000 to repair it and you can support these efforts by donating here. |
Why Saving the Whales Can Save Us: Wilmington Environmental Nonprofit Offers Free Film Screening
September 7, 2023 Plastic Ocean Project will offer a free screening of their documentary short film 356 on Tuesday, September 12th at the Charlotte Nature and Rec Center. The film’s focus is on the endangered North Atlantic Right whale and how its future is tied to ours. |
Trash’N Fash’N Fashion Show Combats Fast Fashion
July 24, 2023 A group of local high school students is shining a light on the harsh realities of “fast fashion,” ---the rapid mass production of clothing in order to meet the public’s ever changing demand. |
Trash’N Fash’N Show Seeks Participants
July 12, 2023 On August 5th, students from Issac Bear Early College and Plastic Ocean Project are hosting the 2nd Annual Trash’N Fash’N Show. Area fashionistas and mindful creatives of all ages are encouraged to create and model their own unique garments. |
Top-Ranked Global Consulting Firm & Local Nonprofit Tackle Trash at Carolina Beach State Park
June 8, 2023 On Friday June 9th, Carolina Beach State Park will be getting some TLC from the world’s largest consulting firm-Deloitte. Employee volunteers from Deloitte US are working with the local nonprofit, Plastic Ocean Project for a daylong private cleanup. |
Free Film Screening for World Oceans Day
June 4, 2023 Plastic Ocean Project or “POP,” the Wilmington-based environmental nonprofit, will host a pre-release screening of their documentary short film “356” on June 8 in celebration of World Oceans Day, a day designated by the United Nations to promote education and engagement in marine ecosystem protection. |
Wilmington Nonprofit Takes Its Message On the Road
April 19, 2023 The Wilmington-based environmental nonprofit, Plastic Ocean Project, aka “POP,” is taking its message on the road with Operation 356. The mobile eco-education campaign was inspired by the nonprofit’s short documentary film “356,” that’s already been accepted into eight film festivals. |
Belhaven Chosen As The Kick Off Site for Operation 356
April 11, 2023 The Wilmington-based environmental nonprofit, Plastic Ocean Project, aka “POP,” is taking its message on the road with Operation 356. The mobile eco-education campaign was inspired by the nonprofit’s short documentary film “356,” that’s already been accepted into eight film festivals. It focuses on the endangered North Atlantic Right whale and why its survival is key to ours. |
Coming Soon to ILM-Plastic Ocean Arts and Sci Fest
March 31, 2023 Local nonprofit, the Plastic Ocean Project is joining forces with the NC Science Festival to host the Plastic Ocean Arts and Sci Fest. It will take place on Saturday, April 8th from 11:00 am-1:00 pm at UNCW’s Watson School of Education Building Atrium. |
Team Work Makes the Dream Work! Three Area Environmental Nonprofits Team Up
March 15, 2023 Cape Fear River Watch, The Cape Fear Group of the Sierra Club and the Plastic Ocean Project joined forces this week to host a cleanup for International Day of Action for Rivers at the Archie Blue Community Park. Around 30 volunteers took part in the cleanup. |
Dead of Winter Concert this Saturday
February 20, 2023 Three musical mainstays come together this Saturday evening for the Dead of Winter Concert; a benefit for the local nonprofit, Plastic Ocean Project. Grateful Dead cover band, The Possums will take the stage at the North Front Theater. Jazz musician Benny Hill and Wes Hunter of Steal Willin’ are also in the lineup. |
Ribbon Cutting & Open House for Local Nonprofit’s New Headquarters
February 3, 2023 Plastic Ocean Project-aka POP, the Wilmington-based environmental nonprofit, has moved to the MARBIONC facility, which is part of the UNCW CREST Research Park. |
If the Ocean Could Talk, Would YOU Listen?
January 19, 2023 In 2019, the Plastic Ocean Project began making a full-length documentary film, If the Ocean Could Talk: A Voice for the North Atlantic. The film explores how humans impact marine life, including the severely endangered North Atlantic right whale. Along this journey, the team meets many inspiring “solutionairies”, who share their hope for the future of the oceans. |
Nonprofit Collects Nearly 6 Tons of Trash in 2022 - Receives 6K Grant from Duke Energy Foundation!
December 26, 2022 The Plastic Ocean Project was awarded a $6,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation in late December to support the Trees4Trash program, which plants one tree for every 25lbs of trash collected. |
Three NC Bands & Local Sponsors Come Together for Two Nonprofits
December 12, 2022 On December 16, the first annual MidAtlantic Holiday Revue, featuring Mike Blair and the Stonewalls and the Tan and Sober Gentlemen, will benefit the Plastic Ocean Project & Toys4Tots. |
Environmental Non-profit Tackles Local Trash Problem
December 6, 2022 Through NC’s Adopt-A-Highway program, Plastic Ocean Project has now officially “adopted” a 2-mile stretch of Hwy-421. |
New children’s book “Island Girls: Free the Sea of Plastic” by Blair Northen Williamson is released, a tale of two young sisters inspired to clean up the ocean and protect their aquatic friends
November 22, 2022 "Island Girls" features a forward by Plastic Ocean Project Founder and Executive Director, Bonnie Monteleone. |
Local Film Pilot on Plight of North Atlantic Right Whale Accepted in 7 Film Festivals
September 28, 2022 The Plastic Ocean Project is receiving recognition for its short film “356.” It’s been accepted into five major film festivals. |
Musician Surfer Jack Johnson Matches Funds for Local Nonprofit
September 13, 2022 From now until October 15th, Johnson is matching donations up to $2,500 made to POP through his foundation. |
Local Nonprofit Sends Research Teams to Alaska
August 15, 2022 The two groups recovered 20,000 pounds of trash in less than 2 weeks. |
October 2, 2024 • WECT
A local nonprofit has made it to the finals in in the fourth Annual Defender Service...
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Young People Rock the Bronx River
July 19, 2024 • The Hunts Point Express
The July 13 event was accompanied by the unveiling of a new sculpture, The Tree of..
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June 6, 2024 • Bizwomen, The Business Journals
Growing up in a small, fading industrial town in upstate New York, I was surrounded...
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May 28, 2024 • Port City Daily
A local nonprofit will host a fashion show at the New Hanover County Arboretum...
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May 14, 2024 • kpcw Radio
Bonnie Monteleone from the Plastic League Project discusses the organization’s...
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May 6, 2024 • American Recycler
From chemical processing of recycling plastics to eliminating single-use plastics to...
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May 3, 2024 • WWAY
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May 1, 2024 • Seaze Podcast
This week, we're joined by Bonnie Monteleone, whose academic journey led her on...
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April 29, 2024 • WECT
The Plastic Ocean Project returned earlier this month from a 10-day research trip to...
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April 22, 2024 • Forces for Nature Podcast
In 2019, Bonnie was working on a documentary about the North Atlantic Ocean...
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April 1, 2024 • Bronx Times
Hunts Point native Ethan Cruz has never left New York — but his first big trip...
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March 11, 2024 • Profiles in Leadership Podcast
Bonnie Monteleone is the co-founder and Executive Director for the Plastic Ocean...
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February 06, 2024 • Artisan Joy
"My hidden artistic talent came to light during a personal assessment I underwent..."
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December 15, 2023 • WWAY
A Cape Fear non-profit is getting their hands dirty this weekend and asking for...
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December 15, 2023 • WECT
POP needs volunteers to help plant 80 trees at the NHC Landfill in an area...
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December 5, 2023 • Bold Journey
We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bonnie Monteleone a few weeks...
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December 4, 2023 • NC Health News
Judging by recent developments, microplastics have risen to the status of...
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October 29, 2023 • Wo(men) Mind the Water Podcast
Bonnie Monteleone is a researcher, environmental science-educator, film maker...
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October 3, 2023 • Authority Magazine
As a part of my series about what we must do to inspire the next generation...
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September 15, 2023 • How to Protect the Ocean Podcast
They discuss the fight against plastic pollution in the ocean and explore the...
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August 25, 2023 • WECT
Wilmington-based nonprofit Plastic Ocean Project has announced short...
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August 23, 2023 • WWAY
The Town of Burgaw is seeking volunteers to help clean up the area next month...
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August 2, 2023 • WWAY
On Saturday, Aug. 5, 16 up-and-coming designers will model clothing they’ve...
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August 1, 2023 • Spectrum News
High school students from New Hanover County are promoting sustainability...
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July 31, 2023 • WBRC
Plenty of things come to mind when you think of fashion - runways, magazines...
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July 26, 2023 • WECT
The good and bad when it comes to buying cheap clothing - it’s great on the...
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July 14, 2023 • WHQR
This week, Rhonda's guests are three Isaac Bear Early College students who...
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July 12, 2023 • WWAY
Students from Issac Bear Early College and Plastic Ocean Project are hosting...
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July 12, 2023 •WECT
Isaac Bear Early College students are working with the Plastic Ocean Project...
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June 9, 2023 •WECT
The nonprofit Plastic Ocean Project hosted a trash cleanup at the Carolina...
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June 9, 2023 •WWAY
Carolina Beach State Park got some tender-loving-care on Friday, as...
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June 8, 2023 •WMTV
Plastic Ocean Project is hosting a free screening of their short film 356 for...
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June 6, 2023 •WECT
Plastic Ocean Project is hosting a pre-release screening of their documentary...
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April 16, 2023 •WNCT
Plastic Ocean Project, aka “POP,” has chosen historic Belhaven as the launch...
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April 13, 2023 •WITN
Plastic Ocean Project, aka “POP,” is taking its message on the road with...
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April 7, 2023 •WWAY
Wilmington-based Plastic Ocean Project announced that they have moved...
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March 31, 2023 •WECT
The Plastic Ocean Project and the N.C. Science Festival have announced that...
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March 31, 2023 •WWAY
The Plastic Ocean Project is partnering with the NC Science Festival to bring...
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February 20, 2023 •WECT
Local Grateful Dead cover band The Possums, jazz musician Benny Hill and...
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February 3, 2023 •WECT
Wilmington-based Plastic Ocean Project announced that they have moved...
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February 3, 2023 •WWAY News
The non-profit Plastic Ocean Project has moved to the MARBIONC Facility...
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December 26, 2022 •WECT
Wilmington-based Plastic Ocean Project was awarded a $6,000 grant from...
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December 12, 2022 •WWAY News
Bones were found during a litter pickup along U.S. 421 in New Hanover County...
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December 11, 2022 •WWAY News
While out picking up litter on Sunday, volunteers with Plastic Ocean Project...
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December 11, 2022 •WWAY News
A Wilmington environmental non-profit was out on Sunday doing its part to...
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December 6, 2022 •WWAY News
A local chapter of Plastic Ocean Project adopted a 2-mile stretch of U.S...
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December 6, 2022 •WWAY News
Over the past two years, Plastic Ocean Project (POP) has been working to...
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November 10, 2022 •WWAY News
Drivers who commute up and down Highway 421 in New Hanover County...
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October 24, 2022 •WWAY News
Several people from Live Oak Bank Pavilion recently partnered with Paddle...
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October 26, 2022 •WHQR
“A VOICE FOR THE NORTH ATLANTIC: IF THE OCEAN COULD TALK” was...
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October 13, 2022 •WECT
From restaurants to retail shops, you’ll find plastic — lots of it. From bottles...
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September 19, 2022 •WWAY News
A Wilmington non-profit is on the radar of a well-known celebrity who has...
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September 13, 2022 • Port City Daily
A notable singer-songwriter and former professional surfer has announced...
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August 29, 2022 • WILMA Magazine
Like the bodies of water it strives to protect, Plastic Ocean Project’s work...
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July 25, 2022 • WECT
Two teams from the Plastic Ocean Project visited Alaska to collect samples...
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June 3, 2022 • New Bern Sun Journal
Partnering with the University of North Carolina-Wilmington's Plastic Ocean...
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May 24, 2022 • Coastal Review
Bonnie Monteleone, founder of the Plastic Ocean Project, a Wilmington-based...
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April 22, 2022 • The Seahawk
UNCW’s chapter of the Plastic Ocean Project organization, a nonprofit local to...
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April 20, 2022 • StarNews
Upcoming holidays offer locals a chance to get out and honor everything...
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April 18, 2022 • Port City Daily
A cleanup to benefit Plastic Ocean Project’s Trees4Trash initiative takes place...
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April 13, 2022 • Ohio Capital Journal
If the plastic food container that contained your lunch today winds up in a...
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April 13, 2022 • StarNews
For years the massive oak stood in the center of Veterans Park in Oak....
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April 7, 2022 • WHQR
Three Seabin V5 devices have been installed in the Cape Fear River. The units...
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March 3, 2022 • The Daily Gamecock
Composer Meira Warshauer collaborated with artist and executive director of...
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January 18, 2022 • The Fayetteville Observer
“We would so be behind it,” said Bonnie Monteleone, executive director of...
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January 4, 2022 • WWAY
Plastic Ocean Project (POP) is a nonprofit that tries to create awareness...
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February 28, 2021 • ABC News
Project partners UNC-Wilmington, Duke Environmental Law and Policy Clinic...
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April 17, 2021 • WWAY
The Plastic Ocean Project partnering with the city of Wilmington and...
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July 26, 2021 • Coastal Review
Microplastics are everywhere. “It’s in our water, it’s in the ocean, it’s in the...
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September 25, 2021 • Carteret County News-Times
Plastic Ocean Project Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to field research, outreach...
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November 3, 2021 • Star News
Bonnie Monteleone – She works at the Plastic Ocean Project, and I like what...
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September 21, 2019 • StarNews
The non-profit wants to grow its work and outreach with new office and...
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June 8, 2019 • ABC News
The consequences from the mass production, consumption and discarding...
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February 20, 2019 • WECT
More than nine million straws and stirrers have been picked up from beaches...
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February 10, 2019 • WECT
Over 20 volunteers took time out of their day Sunday to help pick up trash...
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August 24, 2018 • WBTV
Plastic straws have been phased out at both Leroy Fox restaurants...
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August 17, 2018 • Suburban News South Edition
Tammy Bleier, a Greece Arcadia High School graduate, loves the water...
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August 15, 2018 • The Charlotte Observer
Plastic straws have been phased out at both Leroy Fox restaurants...
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August 14, 2018 • How Stuff Works
In 2012, Boyan Slat was only 18 years old when he took the TEDx stage...
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July 31, 2018 • WILMA Magazine
An awards celebration to honor the thirty-five finalists and seven...
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July 29, 2018 • WECT
Several restaurants across the country are pledging to be more...
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July 27, 2018 • UNCW News
Three UNCW employees are finalists for WILMA Magazine’s annual...
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July 11, 2018 • WECT
With Starbucks announcing it would end the use of plastic straws by...
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July 11, 2018 • Rochester First
Keeping our lakes, rivers and streams clean: After a Rochester woman...
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July 9, 2018 • The New York Times
The Frappuccino is the one exception: It will have a straw made from...
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June 13, 2018 • Southern Fried Science
The online ocean science community has been vocally skeptical about the...
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May 31, 2018 • StarNews
From June 1-7, a coalition of five local nonprofits -- Cape Fear Surfrider...
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May 03, 2018 • Waste360
The waters off North Carolina’s Cape Hatteras are home to more marine...
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April 20, 2018 • StarNews
On Sunday, April 22, POP plans to host a total of six coastal cleanups in...
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April 20, 2018 • Waste360
As organizations, companies, nonprofits and individuals around the globe...
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April 16, 2018 • Coastal Review
In the United States, 500 million straws are used every day, according to...
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March 28, 2018 • Daily Maverick
Journalist Craig Leeson was planning to film blue whales when he instead...
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March 9, 2018 • UNCW News
Bonnie Monteleone ’11M and Julie-Ann Scott-Pollock received YWCA Women...
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March 8, 2018 • WWAY
Wednesday is International Women’s Day, and in the Port City the YWCA...
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March 7, 2018 • WECT
As a researcher with UNCW, Dr. Pam Seaton says her students are studying...
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February 22, 2018 • Port City Daily
When the beach is your biggest selling point, it ought to be protected. Area...
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January 26, 2018 • UNCW News
Bonnie Monteleone’11M and Julie-Ann Scott-Pollock are among the 39...
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November 30, 2017 • Coastal Review
During my many years as a park ranger at Hammocks Beach State Park, I...
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September 15, 2017 • UNCW News
UNCW staff member Bonnie Monteleone ’11M is out to save our oceans from...
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August 23, 2017 • WHQR
When you use a disposable diaper, some scientists would tell you the plastic...
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June 27, 2017 • Forbes
Plastic pollution in our oceans represents an "Eco-genocide" according to...
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May 23, 2017 • Coastal Review
Consider the ubiquitous plastic water bottle. When you see one, do you think...
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April 20, 2017 • Coastal Review
New Hanover County’s Department of Environmental Management, which...
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January 31, 2017 • The Seahawk
To a sold-out Lumina Theater, the UNC Wilmington student chapter of Plastic...
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January 2, 2017 • WilmingtonBiz
With over 8 million tons of plastic entering the world’s oceans each year...
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February 17, 2016 • WilmingtonBiz
Bonnie travels around the country with her Plastic Ocean Project spreading...
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February 11, 2016 • UNCW News
UNCW researchers are among the experts featured in A Plastic Ocean...
March 23, 2016 • University of South Alabama
Bonnie travels around the country with her Plastic Ocean Project spreading...
April 6, 2016 • Lumina News
Students and professors at University of North Carolina Wilmington have a...
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July 29, 2015 • Lumina News
While ocean conservancy may seem like an effort that may only be exercised...
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June 10, 2015 • Lumina News
On any given summer morning, Wrightsville Beach’s strand sparkles with...
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April 4, 2013 • ReadMedia
Artist Bonnie Holden Monteleone '99 collects digital images of plastic artifacts...
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November 9, 2009 • New York Times
Aboard the Alguita, 1,000 miles northeast of Hawaii — In this remote patch of...
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