Protecting Our Oceans From the Inside Out with the Rozalia Project's Ashley Sullivan​

If you’ve ever walked along a shoreline, spotted trash, and thought, “How did this get here, and what can I do about it?” -- this conversation is for you. Ashley Sullivan, Executive Director of the Rozalia Project for a Clean Ocean, joins me to unpack the very real problem of marine debris and microplastics, and to remind us that curiosity, community, and “lots of littles” can add up to big change.​We explore how getting kids and adults outside for hands-on cleanups builds empathy and sparks those powerful “aha” moments that lead to action. Ashley explains what microplastics and microfibers actually are, how they move from our homes into rivers, lakes, and the ocean, and why they’re now being found in wildlife, soils, air, and even our own bodies. You’ll also learn what it’s like to live and learn aboard a 60-foot research sailboat in the Gulf of Maine.​Ashley shares her winding career path from a childhood spent sailing in Florida to place-based environmental education and leading a marine conservation nonprofit. This episode is a rich resource for educators, caregivers, and young people imagining future STEM/STEAM and conservation careers, plus it serves up practical ideas and a generous dose of hope.​Chapters 00:48 – Meet Ashley and the Rozalia Project02:30 – Marine debris 101: Where all this trash comes from02:54 – Starting with wonder: cleanups, empathy, and “aha” moments03:56 – Microplastics and microfibers made simple09:49 – The CORA Ball12:04 – American Promise: life and learning on a research sailboat18:25 – “Humans caused it, humans can fix it”22:06 – Place-based learning, philosophy, and the sea30:09 – Climate, storms, and why inland trash still reaches the ocean33:29 – What gives Ashley hopeIf this episode sparked curiosity, here are some next steps to take with your learners, families, or teams.Follow the Rozalia Project.​Support the showShare this episodeIf this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friendStay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.