Ambassadors

Q: What is one of your favourite childhood memories in nature?

I grew up in Chile, a country that has more than 5,000 kilometers of coastline, so probably my favourite childhood memory is the endless summers I used to spend at the beach with my younger sister; frolicking in the water, building sand castles and collecting seashells. I remember once my little sister collected a lot of cigarettes butts and tried to eat them. She got a terrible tummy infection and ended in the hospital. I think that was one of the first memories I have of ocean litter being the worst.

Q: Why are you drawn to the ocean as a subject for your art?

I think we are inspired by things we love and our will to protect them. My bond with the ocean is very emotional, it helped me heal through my dark times and its an endless source of joy. Its also something I experience on a daily basis so its very close to my heart.

Q: We love your Sip, don't Suck artwork. What drove you to draw this?

I am always looking for ways to create awareness about the state of our oceans. I read in the Lonely Whale foundation that in the US alone 500 billion plastic straws are used every year and it really shocked me! We don't realise how much single use plastic we use daily in the most darndest things.

Yes, especially after big storms in winter. Tons of trash end up on the shore. The city spends a lot of money cleaning the beaches, so you don't get a real impact of the the situation.

Q: Do you have a plastic bag ban or container deposit scheme in Spain?

Not yet. Spain its just starting to catch up on the terrible impacts of plastic. We are way behind the northern countries in terms of recycling systems. This year Spain started charging a tiny fee for plastic bags in hopes it will discourage people from using them so much, but we have a long way before a ban. We will start a campaign with Panthalassa to reduce plastic bags use in San Sebastian soon and hopefully a complete ban.

Q: Have you been to Noosa?

Not yet, but its my next destination! I have great friends there so I hope I can visit soon.

Q: Do you feel a person can create change by reducing their plastic use?

Absolutely. Of course its always better and faster when the government is involved with stricter laws but as an individual you can make your small part and a lot of individuals together can create a movement and really make a change.

Q: The ocean's your passion, what's the biggest thing you'd like to change?

Definitely what hurts me the most is plastic pollution because we as humans are directly responsible for it. We need to stop treating the ocean as our dump. Many people don't make better choices because they are not well informed, so education is crucial. We only have one planet, we better protect it!

Q: What inspired you to start on your journey of saving the world?

My Mum did a one minute video on her Instagram account about the big 4 single use plastics, she gave facts about what we use and she gave alternatives we can use. She was very bossy in the video! I was watching my Mum and learning from her and then my Mum asked if I wanted to start my own Instagram page. I said no and then a couple of days later I changed my mind and said yes. My School also has an Earth Smart Team and they are amazing!

Q: What is the best thing that's happened so far?

I'm excited about the movie we are doing [for Cam's school] but the best thing is that people are being inspired to make change and I love our hashtag #togetherwecan

Q: Do you feel a person can create change by reducing their plastic use?

YES! YES! Every bit helps and it all adds up! #togetherwecan

Q: What do your friends think about what you're doing?

My friends are very supportive of what I do, they all cheer me on in class!

Q: What would you like to be when you grow up?

I want to be a Teacher and teach something about the ocean and saving it!

Q: What started you on your journey to fight plastic pollution?

I started my journey against plastic by being in Coolum & North Shore Coast Care's "Eco-Discovery" program as a leader. It has taught me all about the environment and plastic pollution. Also, seeing the turtle hatchlings inspired me to take action against plastic.

Q: What is your favourite thing about working with community groups?

Trying to choose a favourite part of working with community groups is a hard question. I think being a part of "Eco Discovery." I really enjoyed teaching and working with the younger generation. They are so excited to learn and open to new ideas. I also loved helping out and learning about the environment. I have learned so much!

Q: What's the most rewarding experience so far on your plastic journey?

That is also a difficult question. Firstly, seeing how much plastic we collected from the beach and dunes was rewarding because I know that that plastic won't be in the ocean affecting the turtles. Secondly,I thought that seeing how many turtles nested on our beaches was rewarding because we are making a difference. 

Q: Why do you think we have so much disposable plastic now?

We have so much plastic because we are getting lazier. We think that we can't live without plastic. Many people don't know the alternatives to plastic. it is in almost everything and seen everywhere. The shops have to stop as well.

Q: Do you think your generation is concerned about plastic?

The younger generation is concerned, but they do what their parents do. So, first the parents need to change. It's a slow movement.

Q: Do you have a environment hero or mentor?

My environmental hero is Craig Reucassel from "War on Waste" because he asks important questions and has solutions for them. He doesn't only tackle plastic, but all sorts of pollution. He teaches in an interesting way.

Q: What would you like people to know about plastic waste?

 I would like people to try not to use plastic by introducing reusable containers into their daily life. Maybe seeing what it does to all sea animals, not only turtles, will make an impact on their decisions. It's sad, but memorable.