Creating this short commercial led me from the shores of Half Moon Bay to the Marine Mammal Center in Marin County. What started as a school project for my video production class became more meaningful as I observed the real consequences of ocean pollution on marine ecosystems. At the Center, I witnessed the dedication of volunteers working to rehabilitate sick seals and sea lions, some of whom were affected by plastic debris—a problem that continues to grow along our California coast.

The ocean faces increasing pressure from human activity and waste, especially plastic. Today, the Pacific Garbage Patch is an area full of trash more than twice the size of Texas. Donations to ocean cleanup initiatives, such as the Ocean Cleanup Organization, support practical solutions to prevent plastic from entering the ocean and remove existing plastic. Each contribution makes a difference in protecting marine life. Having seen these challenges firsthand, by living near the coast, I believe in the importance of this work and the positive impact we can have when we choose to act. It’s solvable if we work together.