You may know the name Julie Sommer. She’s worked on campus for eight years and is the research resources manager and a LiveGreen Ambassador. You probably didn’t know she’s one of only 300 women (and very few Americans) that have been selected for the eXXpedition: Round the World 2019-2021.
This all-female group will sail 30 voyages around the world as a hands-on crew. They will conduct scientific research on the causes of plastic pollution, as well as the devastating impact plastics from land-based activities have on our planet’s oceans, ecosystems and on human health. They also will have achievable actions that crew members can take back to their own communities.
The sailboat already has launched its first voyage and will continue through 2021 with Julie’s voyage taking place from Vanuatu to Cairns (Australia) next June.
LiveGreen is excited to learn about Sommer’s work, and we know many of you are concerned about plastic too. On Tuesday, Oct. 29, at noon at the Eppley Science Hall Amphitheater, Sommer will present some information about the eXXpedition, as well as information on her effort to reduce the amount of plastic she and her family use. Bring your lunch to the Eppley Science Hall Auditorium at noon to learn more.
Plastic pollution in the ocean has been covered for years, and its effect on marine life is well established, but we are now realizing its impact on human health. In the middle of the country, it can be easy to have concerns other than the ocean, but the world’s ecosystem (including human life) depends on it. We eat food from the ocean and as such also are consuming plastic. We are also drinking it, breathing it, and ingesting it from other sources — all of which can lead to cancer, reproductive and developmental problems, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune conditions, and neurological damage, just to name a few. For more information on plastic’s impact on health, read this.
“Every minute, one garbage truck’s worth of plastic is dumped into the ocean — plastic breaks down but never goes away. By 2050, oceans will contain more plastic than fish by weight, ” Sommer said. “Recycling efforts on their own are not enough. We have to reduce our plastic use.”
Please join us next Tuesday to learn about the health impacts of plastic and how you can reduce your own use.
Can’t attend? Watch online here.
this is so awesome! congrats julie!!
Congratulations on being selected Julie. Sounds like a wonderful opportunity and a great leg of the voyage to be on. Best of luck!
Can't wait to hear about the eXXpedition! Congrats Julie!
Congratulations, Julie! We appreciate all your work for LiveGreen and good luck on your voyage!
Congratulations Julie! Your work is vital to the survival of our planet! Bon Voyage!
Congrats Julie !!
What a great endeavor
Congratulations Julie! Can't wait to learn more about your adventure!
Congratulations Julie! What a fulfilling adventure with a outstanding purpose!
You are amazing! Thank you for bringing attention to this huge problem and making a difference!
Congratulations, Julie! I can't wait to hear more about this as time goes on!
This takes courage and a lot of determination. So proud of your efforts. Congratulations on being selected. I wish you a safe and successful journey. The more we know, the better we can help our planet and ourselves.
Congratulations Julie!!! Many people take for granted the importance of recycling and the importance of reducing plastic use. This is amazing!
Congratulations Julie!
Congratulations Julie!!!
Congratulations Julie!!
Congratulations Julie!!
You go, girl!
Congratulations Julie!! What a wonderful opportunity to learn, travel and make a difference!!
You're an inspiration, Julie!
Fantastic!!
So very proud of you and your efforts!!
This is awesome, Julie!
Super impressed to see you are part of such a wonderful cause. UNMC should be very proud about this.
We are sure you will make UNMC and Nebraska more proud about this in the future.
Awesome news! Congratulations!