Ocean Legacy Foundation takes charge of plastic pollution crisis and launches international emergency response strategy

E.P.I.C. Program: Education, Policy, Infrastructure & Cleanup - a management strategy aimed to support ecologically sensitive areas and communities that are in a plastic pollution crisis 

Vancouver, BC - The Ocean Legacy Foundation, a Canadian non-profit organization founded in 2014 with the goal to end ocean plastic waste, recently launched E.P.I.C. - a plastic pollution emergency response program, which incorporates a four-pillar hands-on approach: Education, Policy, Infrastructure and Cleanup to catalyze worldwide action around plastic pollution-free lands and oceans.

The E.P.I.C. program targets ecologically sensitive locations and communities that have a plastic pollution crisis, as well as inadequate management capacity for solid waste and plastic pollution. The program assists with the restoration of natural ecosystems for improved human and wildlife health, as well as develops long-term plastic collection, processing infrastructure and policy to mitigate oceanic plastic pollution sources. 

The Ocean Legacy Foundation works with communities that are in a plastic pollution crisis through an Emergency Management System (EMS) that incorporates mitigation, prevention, response, and recovery measures. The EMS takes a systematic approach towards hazard assessments and strategic planning to minimize the impact of risks to marine life, property and the environment.

This system provides the foundation for coordinating and integrating all activities necessary to build, sustain and improve the capability and capacity to mitigate, prepare and plan for, respond to and recover from threatened or actual plastic disasters. The EMS is supported by the four E.P.I.C. pillars: 

• Pillar 1: Education - The Education pillar provides essential knowledge and skill training opportunities for community members while providing solutions for a plastic-free environment. 

• Pillar 2: Policy - The Policy pillar supports communities in advocating for best practice plastic management strategies to help reduce plastic waste and pollution in your community.  

• Pillar 3: Infrastructure - The Infrastructure pillar develops recycling systems and technological solutions for your community to create a plastic circular economy. 

• Pillar 4: Cleanups - The Cleanup pillar is an action-based engagement that removes plastic pollution from the environment to create a cleaner and safer place for your community. 

The resulting benefits for the E.P.I.C. program include: 

• Community capacity and employment opportunities; 
• Cleaner and safer ocean and shoreline environments; 
• Landfill waste reduction; 
• Technological innovation; and 
• Increased public awareness and engagement. 

 This initiative is receiving an annual fund from Nestle Waters Global for international operations over the next 5 years but is looking for additional sponsorship to further its impact. If your community is in a plastic pollution crisis or if you know of a community that requires assistance with plastic management, please visit https://epic.oceanlegacy.ca and apply through the digital portal. Applications are now being accepted.