After years of hearing about ocean “garbage patches,” the researchers aboard the @5Gyres SEA Change are stunned to learn about the “fog” of microplastics—trillions of barely visible shards—permeating the world’s oceans. How do you stop a fog? The Smog of the Sea makes an artful call to action for rethinking single-use plastic and discuss strategies for reducing your plastic waste and inspiring people to make their own personal plastic free commitment!

Panel Discussion to follow, featuring:

Daniel Feliciano, Englewood Environmental Commissioner and Green Team Vice Chair. Daniel is also a SJ Bergen County HUB member and will present “The Plastic Bag Dilemma” a show n’ tell of what is and isn’t accepted as plastic recycling. Daniel will cover a brief history and facts about plastic and discuss the importance of the need for clean recycling.

Nandini (Dini) Checko , ANJEC Project Director, Association of NJ Environmental Commissions. Dini coordinates local and state-wide efforts to educate, advocate and legislate for single-use plastics reduction. She's been with ANJEC for eight years and passionate about local environment. Nandini holds an M.A. degree from Columbia University in Organizational Development and a B.S. degree from the School of Business at Rutgers University.

Gary Sondermeyer is VP of Operations for the Bayshore Family of Companies of Woodbridge Township, NJ.  Bayshore is one of NJ’s largest recyclers, managing 9 separate recycling operations on its 58 acre campus. Gary assists in the management of facility-wide operations toward the corporate vision of running 100% green businesses powered 100% by renewable energy.  Gary joined Bayshore following 30 years of service at the NJDEP.  He served as the agency’s Chief of Staff for 10 years under 6 New Jersey Governors. Gary is Vice Chair of the Sustainable Jersey Program which now actively involves 453 New Jersey towns, 907 schools and 348 School Districts.

Sylvia Rabacchi,Glen Rock Environmental Commission Co-Chair. Sylvia coordinated the drafting of a single-use bag reduction ordinance adopted in Glen Rock in April 2019 and oversees the extensive outreach to residents and businesses in the borough to help make the program successful. Sylvia will share her research as to why it’s important to include a “FEE on paper bags” when drafting your plastic bag ordinance. Sylvia is member of the Sustainable Jersey Bergen County Hub, the Bergen County Styrofoam Free committee and contributed to the development of innovative programs in Glen Rock including; installation of Electric vehicle charging stations and a renewable energy aggregation program for Glen Rock residents.