January 31, 2018
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Conserve. Compost. Be conscious. Protect.
Here in Boulder, we are accustomed to hearing these things on a daily basis. What native Boulderites don’t realize is that there is, indeed, a “Boulder Bubble” when it comes to these topics.
Growing up in Texas, I wasn’t aware of a lot of the issues that face our environment. Sure, I recycled. However, there weren’t any compost services or anyone educating the general public on the importance of composting or the large amount of trash composting eliminates, or even where our trash ends up and how it damages our environment. It’s not that people don’t exactly care; it’s that they are unaware of these programs or simply don’t have access and, therefore, don’t participate. Ashamedly, I used to be one of these individuals who was oblivious to my effects on the environment.
Here in Boulder, we are lucky to have environmental 
services and educational opportunities to bring awareness. Businesses such as EcoCycle, Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE), Eco-Enclose, and our very own Ocean First Institute (OFI), and Ocean First Education (OFE) are some great resources. From zero waste principles, to environmental education, they all incorporate conscious practices into every aspect of their business, setting the example for future generations.
OFI and OFE travel to schools to educate children about their effects on the ocean. For example, the use of plastic straws is detrimental to marine life. Did you know that the U.S alone uses 9 millions straws PER DAY? These never break down and end up in the cavities and intestines of marine life. If I had thought of or knew about that as a child, I would’ve given them up a long time ago! This is why it’s so important to educate everyone about their impact on the environment, and bring programs like these to all states so that future generations can be informed!
Written by: Alysia Prater, Ocean First Education Advocate
