“The ocean’s rich and abundant life is an amazing gift that keeps on giving. This Earth Day, I’m celebrating the life it sustains and the hope and good will that we will act responsibly to safeguard it for all generations to come. When I look at the ocean, I see how truly magnificent it is—the expanse of it, the richness of it, but perhaps more fundamental, I also see that our communities, our livelihoods and our lives all depend on a healthy ocean.”

Patricia Chambers

Arctic Digital Manager (Bellingham, WA)

“This Earth Day, I’m celebrating the “unknowns” of our ocean. We are always learning more about it and its unique wildlife, as well as its ability to be a resource to heal our planet. I feel that the ocean is often neglected because there is so much about it we don’t know, even though it sustains us with crucial food, provides livelihoods and helps regulate our entire environment. We need to do more to understand the ocean, protect it and use it sustainably.”

Keri Browder

Cities Project Director (Washington, DC)

“I’m celebrating the diversity of wildlife and ecosystems beneath the water and along our coasts this Earth Day. It wasn’t until I got directly involved with ocean conservation and climate change that I truly understood how critical the ocean is for the overall health of our planet—for producing oxygen, for maintaining the global food chain, for regulating our water cycle and weather. It’s also a huge source of inspiration!”

Melissa Kaminski

Portfolio Manager for Foundations and Individual Philanthropy (Washington, DC)

“I love the vastness of our ocean. It puts everything into perspective, and that’s worth celebrating. As John F. Kennedy said: We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea—whether it is to sail or to watch it—we are going back from whence we came.”

Sarah Sorenson

Director, Individual Philanthropy (San Diego, CA)

“All life is dependent on the ocean. This Earth Day, I’m celebrating the many collective and individual efforts that I know are happening right now, both with our Trash Free Seas Alliance members and other partners, as well as throughout the world that are going to make a collective impact for the better.”

Edith Cecchini

Project Director, Corporate Strategy and Policy (Washington, DC)