Abby Barrows - Global Microplastic Initiative

Abby Barrows is a marine scientist, researcher and oyster farmer. She initiated the first baseline data map of micro plastic pollution in Maine in 2012 and more recently was the principal investigator for the Global Microplastic Initiative, compiling one of the largest global datasets on every continent and ocean in the world. Abby partnered with Adventure Scientists to successfully gather samples from remote fresh and marine waters around the globe. See map of findings. Abby is the owner and operator of Long Cove Sea Farm, an oyster business in Stonington, ME, where she works to use alternatives to plastic in her oyster farming practices. For purchasing sustainable seafood, Abby recommends using Monterey Bay Aquarium's app called Seafood Watch.Ways to decrease single-use plastics in your daily life:Don't use K-cups/coffee pods, bring your own utensils, use glass containers for food storage, use bar soap/shampoo/conditioner, bamboo toothbrushes, fill your trash bags full and more.Ways to join others in the fight against plastics:5GyresPlastic Pollution CoalitionSurfrider FoundationUpstream Solutions