Producer Quinnisa Kinsella-Mulkerin is a 14-yr old climate activist from South Portland, Maine who is committed to raising awareness about marine debris and microplastic pollution in our oceans. 

Quinnisa spoke with two ocean advocates about what drove them to commit to their environmental work and research. Each of them recounts their shock and ah-ha moments after discovering knee-deep plastic debris along the shorelines of seemingly remote areas as far apart as Matinicus Island, 22 miles offshore in Maine, and a small island in Papua New Guinea. 

Quinnisa learned that trying to tackle a problem as huge as plastic pollution in the ocean can be overwhelming, but that keeping one’s focus on a “lots of littles make a big” mentality can make it possible to keep going and make a difference. Both of the women Quinnisa interviewed also shared some tips about how to be involved in marine climate activism from beach cleanups to pushing for upstream thinking about reducing plastic waste production.

For this piece Quinnisa interviewed:

• Founder of the Rozalia Project for a Clean Ocean, and creator of the Cora Ball, a microfiber-catching laundry ball, Rachael Z. Miller.
• Oyster farmer and microplastics researcher based in Deer Isle, Maine, Abby Barrows.