By Karisa Arterbury | Director of Operations and Development (volunteer)
As we reflect on the progress made in the third quarter of 2025, the Ocean Blue Project stands as a leader in plastic disaster relief, driven by our unwavering commitment to protecting waterways and the global ocean from plastic pollution. The Plastic Disaster Relief Program, which has thrived thanks to your support, is Ocean Blue’s top initiative aimed at promoting healthy communities and ecosystems through direct action, education, and collaboration.
Ocean Blue’s overarching goal is to remove 5 million pounds of plastic and debris from beaches, back bays, and ocean-bound waterways, while nurturing a new generation of environmental stewards.
Milestone Impact & Program Achievements
This quarter, the impact of the Plastic Disaster Relief program has been truly remarkable. Ocean Blue’s team, alongside passionate volunteers and partners, has now removed a lifetime total of 3,293,344 pounds of debris from waterways across the nation, a staggering achievement representing over 16 Space Shuttle orbiters, at least 11 blue whales, or approximately 132 school buses in weight.
Notably, since the beginning of 2024, we’ve surpassed our ambitious pledge goals by cleaning up 2,125,717 pounds, exceeding pledged targets by more than 164,000 pounds and delivering an additional $32,830 of value for our ocean, communities, and wildlife. These accomplishments underscore Ocean Blue Project’s impact and ongoing leadership in the fight against plastic pollution, uniting supporters, communities, and student advocates in our mission to safeguard our blue planet for generations to come.
This summer has been especially inspiring for the Ocean Blue Project (OBP), thanks to the energetic and thoughtful contributions of our high school intern, Zack B. Traditionally, OBP has engaged college students, but partnering with a high school intern provided fresh perspectives, enriched our programs, and brought new dynamism to our staff and volunteer teams.
Intern Spotlight: Zack B., High School Intern
Zack’s commitment energized everyone at OBP. Through his leadership in delivering educational activities and unique workshops for younger students, Zack not only advanced our mission but also demonstrated meaningful growth, both for himself and for the K-12 students reached by our OBP Blue Schools program. His dedication is clear evidence of the value that high school students bring to our internships, and his legacy will help shape the future of young leaders at OBP.
OBP Blue Schools: Educating the Next Generation
Our flagship OBP Blue Schools program continues to connect local K-12 students to their watersheds and the ocean. We are building a new generation of ocean advocates, students who understand just how vital the ocean-watershed link is for all life, within and beyond our one world ocean. Looking ahead, OBP is excited to announce the planned construction of our dedicated Education Station at the East Coast Regional Headquarters in Lottsburg, Virginia.
This new facility will become a dynamic hub, blending the charm of a one-room schoolhouse with innovative, hands-on learning experiences. Designed to reflect our community’s aesthetic and foster inclusivity, the Education Station will host creative workshops, youth-led activities, and community engagement opportunities. Here, interns, students, and volunteers will connect, lead, and inspire one another.
Our broader vision stretches beyond any one classroom or workshop. By actively collaborating with area schools and inviting students and future educators into leading roles, OBP nurtures leadership, collaboration, and stewardship. This collaborative network is sowing the seeds for a resilient, ocean-minded generation making a genuine impact on their local communities and the world.
Looking Forward: Join Us!
As we celebrate these incredible milestones, we know our work is far from over. OBP is as committed as ever to our ambitious mission: removing 5 million pounds of plastic and debris from beaches, back bays, and ocean-bound waterways. Our next big challenge? Snagging another 1.7 million pounds over the next year.
None of these achievements would be possible without your encouragement, support, and shared dedication. THANK YOU for being an essential part of the Ocean Blue Project’s journey, for each pound of debris we remove, each student we inspire, and every positive change we make together.
With deep gratitude,
Karisa Arterbury
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