A number of global actions have been taken to reduce single-use plastics in our environment, including recent bans on various plastic items in Taiwan, the UK, and the Bahamas. These strides in government policy wouldn’t be possible without the work of passionate environmentalists at the local level. A unique conservationist from Australia has been doing her part to clean up our oceans—Jacinta the Mermaid. Jacinta Williamson, a Melbourne native, has launched an edutainment venture called Mermaid Adventures, with a legitimate, swimming mermaid!
Mermaid Adventures was created to engage, inspire, and educate the public on the marine environment and conserving our oceans through the reduction of single-use plastics. Education through a mermaid’s point a view builds intrigue for children and gets them excited for conservation. Furthermore, the outdoor classroom setting helps engage the kids, so they can see firsthand what strides need to be taken. Mermaid Jacinta researches reliable sources and transforms the information into a relatable story for the children, such as the tale of Wally the Whale:
Wally the Whale was born off the coast of Queensland, Australia, near Fraser Island and migrates down to Antarctica to feed. Unlike humans, Wally the Whale cannot select what Wally eats and scoops up everything into its mouth and stomach. Sadly, in this process, Wally scoops up micro plastics, hard and soft plastics such as straws, coffee cups, plastic bottles, which makes Wally feel very sick.
They then discuss as a group why Wally is feeling so sick and come up with solutions together. In addition to education, she provides alternative ideas to help reduce impacts, such as using natural confetti and making your own plastic-free glitter with Epsom salts!
For nearly a decade, Jacinta has worked for the national park agency in Australia and has always enjoyed speaking to people about the environment. “I find when people enjoy being outside, and appreciate the environment, they feel more inclined to protect it”, she states. In 2014, she spent a month kayaking along the Alaskan coast, an experience that opened her eyes to the growing issue of micro-plastics. Kayaking and residing in the remote Alaskan wilderness but still seeing plastics being washed ashore illustrated how far plastics can travel within ocean currents. Thus, the experience inspired her to start this venture with the hope of motivating people to enjoy the outdoors and make positive changes in the environment. Jacinta sets an example for change by adapting plastic alternatives in her everyday lifestyle. She began with small, achievable goals such as removing all plastic waste out of her morning meal. She makes her own granola, rice milk, and buys in bulk using fabric bags and jars. Jacinta is a firm believer of taking action at the local level and states, “As consumers we drive businesses and influence what they put on the shelves. We can use our money to motivate companies and make a difference”.
Mermaid Adventures was launched in early 2018, by joining a Victorian Government Program, Summer by the Sea. Here, she provided classes within the beach setting and educated the next generation on how to keep ocean coasts clean. This mermaid initiative will soon be moving to western Australia with the hope of continuing to engage with schools and other organizations using tailored installations that involve other marine issues in addition to single-use plastics. To get more information, view upcoming classes, or see the next mermaid sighting, follow Mermaid Adventures on Instagram or Facebook.
What single-use plastic could you easily remove from your everyday routine?