Here at Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs, our mission is toinspire the next generation of ocean caretakers. In our “Meet a Caretaker” series, we feature inspirational young artists, activists, writers, filmmakers, poets, conservationists, and anyone working to clean and protect our oceans.
Give us a picture of who you are. Where are you from, and what do you love?
This is me (below) at 6:07 in the morning watching the sunrise on the beach. I love the ocean, but I live in the landlocked city of Atlanta. The city is beautiful, and as I get older it grows on me, but I was born to be near the water. It is the only place I can see myself after high school. Besides the ocean, I love doing anything enriching (intellectually, physically, socially), be it math, lacrosse, running, drawing, or just talking over a good meal.
What is your connection to the ocean?
I am only connected to the ocean through people I know. I live in a landlocked city, but any chance I get I find the sea.
Do you have a favorite ocean species?
My favorite ocean species is definitely a whale. In that category, specifically the blue whale. Their size and grace intrigues me. I love to imagine them as the wise owl of the sea.
What were some successes and challenges you faced in putting your project together?
I put the project together when I started noticing the way my life was impacting the world. The hardest part was realizing how I was making the very problem I was focusing on, worse. After that, it was finding solutions in my own life to avoid plastic, and live mindfully. The easiest part was putting what I had learned together in a video. I am still trying to live my life as minimalist as possible, with the world in mind.
How has participating in the project changed the way you think about plastic pollution? Have you made any changes in your everyday life?
The project gave me a platform to spread the terrible truth I learned about plastic pollution. The fact is I did not think about it at all before my initial encounter with the problem, and it changed everything simply because afterwards I had awareness that was not there before. Today, I avoid plastic whenever possible, but I consider it a better success when I gain followers for plastic awareness. First, it was my family, who also avoid plastic products whenever possible. Then it was my dog (who now uses biodegradable poop bags). Hopefully the video inspired others as well.
“Our World – Our Oceans – Our Plastic” by Walden Jones, 2015 High School Bronze Award in Film
Have you been involved in other environmental or conservation projects since participating in the contest?
I have worked with an agency called Trees Atlanta multiple times before and after the project. This summer I signed up for a teen “tree team” that will be heavily invested in the organization. Organic produce is becoming big in Atlanta, and that has always interested me. Since the contest, I have been in contact with urban and sustainable farmers, and our family is working to live similarly.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years? I plan to be by the ocean. Otherwise I definitely see myself living with awareness of my impact, and not just not hurting the environment but helping as well.
What advice would you give to other young people who want to protect the ocean?
Believe you are big and strive for change, even if you are small. Live as an example that, for a better future, the world will need to follow.
Are you a creative middle or high school student that loves the ocean as much as Walden does? Do you want to make art that makes a difference? Submit to the 2016 Ocean Awareness Student Contest by June 13. You may win up to $1,500 for you and your school!
