Algalita Marine Research and Education

Algalita is a pioneering environmental nonprofit that’s been at the forefront of the fight against plastic pollution for nearly three decades. They were the first to uncover and publicize the massive accumulation of plastic in the Pacific Ocean—what’s now widely called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Since that discovery, they’ve focused on reshaping how the world talks about plastic, creating a global network of scientists, educators, activists, and youth who are all working together to address the issue in a systemic and inclusive way.

At the heart of Algalita is a small, committed team inspired by their founder, Captain Charles Moore, whose discovery ignited what they describe as the Great Plastics Awakening. The organization is driven by a vision of a world where plastic pollution no longer exists, and they pursue that through educational initiatives that not only illuminate the scale of the problem but also offer practical ways for people to get involved. Their work emphasizes collaboration, awareness, and action, all grounded in the belief that change starts with informed and empowered individuals.