Everything we need to know about microplastic pollution right now

Sharing her wisdom here is Rachael Miller, Co-Founder of Rozalia Project for a Clean Ocean and Founder of Cora Ball, a consumer-based solution to microfiber pollution.

Hear about how microplastic pollution came to be, how both microplastic fibers and fibers from natural textiles can both be problematic when washed down the drain, how we can adopt more preventive solutions to pollution and more. 

 
 
 
 

If you feel inspired by this episode, please consider donating a gift of support of any amount today!

 
 

This is a conversation on Green Dreamer Podcast with Kaméa Chayne, a show exploring environmental and intersectional sustainability from ideas to life. Subscribe to Green Dreamer on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or any podcast app and let’s learn what it takes to thrive in every sense of the word!

Highlights

[2:09] What first inspired Rachael's love for nature.

[4:54] What Rozalia Project does and how the nonprofit started focusing on microplastics.

[9:23] Rachael explains how our clothing and textiles break apart and shed microfibers.

[11:42] Why our clothing made from natural fibers (and not just synthetics) can also be problematic.

[15:47] Rachael talks about how her team designed Cora Ball through biomimicry. [20:47] How to clean the microplastics off of the Cora Ball.

[23:52] Kaméa: "What's been your biggest challenge raising awareness for microplastic pollution?"

[25:16] Rachael: "Everyone who wears and washes clothes is part of this problem... And everyone who wears and washes clothes can be a part of this solution."

[27:41] Rachael: "Unlike microbeads, there is no one solution here."

[29:41] Kaméa: "How do you think we can move towards a more preventive system?"   

References

About

Rachael Miller is the co-founder of Rozalia Project for a Clean Ocean and the founder and CEO of Cora Ball, a consumer-based solution to microfiber pollution. She holds a USCG 50 ton Master’s license, captains the 60’ sailing research vessel, American Promise, trains remotely operated vehicle pilots for VideoRay, and is a member of the US Sailing Training Committee.

Keep in touch

Rozalia Project

Cora Ball

Tips

Inspiration: @stunningocean

Note to self: "Lots of littles make a big." 

Health practice: "I am working on recovering from a knee injury from skiing." 

Sustainability practice: "I make sure that when I buy something, it's durable, as sustainable as possible, and somehow beautiful and/or fun to use." 

Element of hope: "I think there's some momentum going on!" 

Closing words: "Remember that lots of little efforts make a big effort. Your effort does matter when it's matched up with what everyone else is doing."

Podcast Sponsor

Arbor Teas is a small, family-owned business based in Ann Arbor, Michigan with a big focus on sustainability. The company only sources loose leaf and organic certified teas, packages all its teas in backyard compostable materials, uses solar power in its operations, and offsets all of its emissions with CarbonFund. We're grateful for our sponsors making our show possible and invite you to shop organic teas from Arbor Teas.

Two Takeaways

Everyone who wears and washes clothes is part of this problem (of microplastic pollution)... And everyone who wears and washes clothes can be a part of this solution. Rachael Miller @RozaliaProject @theCoraBall on #GreenDreamer Podcast

TWEET THIS

Microplastic fibers from our clothes, when washed down the drain, are problematic, but the #microfibers shed from natural fabrics can aggravate pollution as well. Rachael Miller @RozaliaProject @theCoraBall on #GreenDreamer Podcast #microplastic

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kamea chayne

Kamea Chayne is a creative, writer, and the host of Green Dreamer Podcast.

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