Bri DeLeon's Research with The Oregon Coast Aquarium
Industry: Aquarium / Animal Rehabilitation
Project Type: Plastic Reduction and Sustainable Solutions
Location: Newport, OR
Major/University: B.S. Environmental Studies and International Affairs, Lewis & Clark College
Summary
Bri aided the Oregon Coast Aquarium by investigating the viability of implementing filters to reduce microfibers from entering wastewater systems, eliminating disposable serving ware and cups in the cafe, and altering nitrile glove use to a reusable or recyclable system.
Company Background
The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport is a nonprofit dedicated to ocean conservation and education. Since 1992, it has grown to over 140 staff and 250 volunteers, serving as a key marine resource for both locals and visitors. Through its Conservation Program, the Aquarium is reducing single-use plastics and partnering with others to promote marine health and ocean literacy.
Project Description
The Oregon Coast Aquarium uses plastics within their daily operations from items such as cafe serveware and packaging to synthetic textiles. Bri’s goal was to reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste from its operations, while educating its guests about the importance of reducing plastic pollution.
Bri identified the sources of single-use plastics within operations, explored alternative options, and conducted an experiment with a microfiber filter system to assess its ease of use and effectiveness in capturing microfibers.
Estimated Annual Reductions
Bri's recommendations could have the following annual impacts:
12,000
Reusable Cups and Lids
84,000
Nitrile Gloves sent to landfill
$31,000
Savings