Join us for a presentation led by Dr. Lyda Harris on plastic pollution prevention, reduction, and cleanup globally and in Washington state.

This in-person event will be hosted at Obec Brewing in Ballard.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about microplastics and network with industry colleagues and fellow WIE members!

Presentation Summary

Plastic pollution is ubiquitous in the environment, found from depths of the oceans to peaks of the mountains. This talk explores the rapid rise of global plastic production and waste, examining how economics, policy, infrastructure, and consumer behavior all contribute to the growing pollution crisis affecting oceans and coastal communities worldwide. Dr. Harris will touch upon solutions to the microplastics problem, from international policy to local cleanup efforts, source reduction strategies, and community-led action. By connecting large-scale systems thinking with practical, place-based solutions, we can start reducing plastic pollution before it reaches the environment.

About Dr. Lyda Harris

Dr. Harris has spent more than a decade addressing marine debris and plastic pollution, from the waters of Washington State to coastal communities in Baja Mexico. Throughout her career, she has led scientific research, cleanup initiatives, and cross-sector partnerships that connect science with community action to keep plastic out of the ocean. Over time, her work evolved from studying the downstream impacts of pollution to advancing upstream solutions through corporate and municipal sustainability. Today, she focuses on the built environment, applying a science-driven, place-based, and community-centered approach to climate and sustainability challenges. Her work emphasizes reducing environmental harm to the point of rejuvenation while advancing social equity through collaboration.