Championing the Fight Against Plastic Pollution:

An Earth Day Mission to Save Our Planet

By Melani Morose Edelstein, Contributor

Plastic waste, like a silent invader, creeps into the waters of our world, threatening, suffocating, and entangling the marine life that calls it home. From the vast expanse of our oceans to the serene San Pedro waterways, the grip of plastic tightens, threatening the very essence of our natural habitats.

Eva Cicoria, a woman driven by her deep connection to nature, witnessed this onslaught firsthand. Her passion for the outdoors, nurtured during her youth and cultivated through years of exploration, stirred within her a fervent desire to protect the environment. As she paddled her kayak through the familiar waters of LA Harbor, she couldn’t ignore the growing presence of plastic waste.

“My affinity for our natural world has always driven me,” Cicoria declares, her voice resonating with determination. “I’ve explored the outdoors since my youth, leading trips with the San Pedro/Peninsula YMCA. But as I witnessed the harm we inflict on nature, my drive to protect it only grew.”

For years, Cicoria would embark on kayaking excursions in LA Harbor, drawn by its proximity to home and the opportunity for outdoor recreation and fitness. “As I navigated the waters, I found myself captivated by the diverse wildlife, often capturing moments with my DSLR camera. Amidst these moments of natural beauty, however, I couldn’t ignore the persistent presence of plastic debris floating in the harbor,” she says.

Initially, she would casually pick up the litter scarcely giving it a second thought. But as time passed, Cicoria began to notice an alarming increase in the amount of plastic waste. Concerned by the impact of this pollution on the marine environment, she sought assistance from the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) and other volunteers to address the issue.

“We faced resistance from POLA staff, who deemed it unsafe to conduct cleanup operations in certain areas of the harbor,” Cicoria remembers. Undeterred, she delved into research and discovered that POLA had a Water Resources Action Plan in place since 2010, outlining measures for facility inspections, litter removal, and educational initiatives.

“Armed with this knowledge, I raised my concerns during a public Harbor Commission meeting, highlighting the year-round nature of the pollution problem and its widespread impact on marine ecosystems. From single-use plastics littering the water to infrastructure damage caused by debris, the scope of the issue was clear.”

Through advocacy and persistence, Cicoria aimed to hold POLA accountable for implementing the measures outlined in the Water Resources Action Plan. By shedding light on the ongoing challenges faced by LA Harbor, Cicoria says she hoped to catalyze action and foster a culture of environmental stewardship within the community.

Undeterred by bureaucratic hurdles, Cicoria turned to action. Armed with evidence from the Port of LA’s neglected Water Resources Action Plan, she confronted authorities. “I demanded accountability,” she says. “It’s not just a winter problem; it’s year-round, threatening sea grass, kelp beds, and marine habitats. I couldn’t turn a blind eye,” she recalls. “The riprap around Angels Gate Lighthouse and Cabrillo Marina teemed with plastic waste, endangering marine life, it’s too much.”

The turning point came in June 2019 when Cicoria launched Paddle Out Plastic on World Oceans Day. With a simple mission to inspire fellow paddlers to join the fight against plastic pollution, she embarked on a journey that would bring together a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to protecting our oceans.

The work of Paddle Out Plastic goes beyond mere cleanup efforts. Cicoria and her team meticulously document every piece of litter they retrieve, providing valuable data to support citizen science initiatives. Through the Marine Debris Tracker app sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, they log their findings, highlighting the staggering impact of plastic pollution on our marine ecosystems.

“We had to take matters into our own hands,” she asserts. With volunteers and her husband Ken by her side, they embarked on a massive cleanup mission, retrieving well over 260,000 pieces of litter since then. “Almost all plastic,”Cicoria says.

What sets Paddle Out Plastic apart is its grassroots approach to advocacy. Ciccoria and her team engage with policymakers, urging them to confront the harsh reality of plastic pollution and implement effective strategies for waste management and reduction. Their efforts extend to educating the public about the pervasive threat posed by single-use plastics and the urgent need for collective action.

One of the most striking aspects of Paddle Out Plastic’s work is the sheer volume and variety of plastic waste they encounter. From foam cups and food containers to fishing gear and tarps, no corner of LA Harbor is untouched by the scourge of plastic pollution. 

“Among the debris are also food wrappers, straws, lids, bubble wrap, sports equipment, beach toys, balloons, boat fenders, buckets, boots, flip flops, fishing gear including lines and bobbers, and tarps. In addition to these larger items, we regularly come across smaller plastic pieces like lighters, cigarette mouthpieces, and dental floss picks, highlighting the pervasive nature of plastic pollution in our waterways. Occasionally, we stumble upon more peculiar items, including a suitcase, a car battery, rubber mats, a safety cone, a skateboard, and even a grappling hook. Notably, we once retrieved a plastic netting-wrapped boom — ironically similar to those used to block debris flow. It appeared to have broken free, likely en route to the Pacific garbage patch, before we intercepted it during our cleanup efforts,” Cicoria shares.

The volume of plastic collected by Cicoria and her team is a staggering testament to the scale of the problem. 

Their efforts extend beyond cleanup. “We rescue birds entangled in fishing gear,” Cicoria says, her voice tinged with urgency. “Under LA Harbor’s fishing pier, we remove deadly traps for unsuspecting birds. The progress we are making to remove plastic from our waterways is not enough. We are paddling against a current of single-use plastic proliferation that must abate.”

But challenges abound. “Weather, limited resources and time constraints hinder our mission,” Cicoria admits. “Yet we persevere, fueled by our commitment to the cause.”

To combat plastic pollution, Cicoria urges collective action. 

“Follow Paddle Out Plastics on social media, join cleanup efforts and exercise care with equipment. If you have a kayak or stand-up paddle join us for a paddle out,” she implores. “Every action counts in the fight against plastic waste.”

Despite the odds, Cicoria remains optimistic.

“Communities worldwide are uniting against plastic pollution,” she states. “With each effort, we inch closer to a cleaner, safer future for our waters and marine life.” 

Cicoria’s tireless dedication serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring individuals worldwide to join the battle against plastic pollution this Earth Day and every day.

Engage in the Fight Against Plastic Waste

There won’t be a single solution.  

Yet, single-use plastic is the most common element found in plastic waste. 

Join us in taking action against ocean litter. California has led the charge by banning single-use plastic bags and prohibiting microplastics in wash-off items like facial scrubs, but there’s still much to be done. 

The federal government has stepped up with the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021, but progress is slow and industries are resistant. Together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable future. Take a stand and make a difference today.

• Reduce your use of plastic, especially single-use plastic.
• Buy in bulk when possible.
• Recycle properly.
• Participate in clean up efforts.
• Join Paddle Out Plastic on a paddle out. Anyone with a vessel such as a kayak or stand up paddle is welcome to join.
• Look up at Paddle Out Plastic on Facebook and Instagram and join the fight against plastic waste.