Plastic-Free Cities Orlando Sea Grant Fellow, Georgio Docteur.
“It is my first time working with plastics, but this position allows me to interact with my local community and make effective changes. From an urban planning perspective, this project relates to environmental planning and management, seeing how the city’s design can impact how plastic affects our waterways. From a public administration perspective, it equips me to gain the communication and facilitation skills when proposing new solutions. Some businesses want to make sustainable changes but are wary of the costs of plastic-free products. By providing alternatives such as straws made from hay and bamboo, businesses can test out the products that offer significant financial advantages,” says Docteur.
The Plastic-Free Cities project embraces a “rippling” approach to sharing knowledge, where information shared with one group is passed along to others. Docteur has partnered with IDEAS For Us to bring plastic education into local high schools, inspiring students to engage with businesses in their communities. Through canvassing field trips, students learn how to craft compelling elevator pitches, participate in cleanups, and explore interactive activities highlighting the economic benefits of reducing single-use plastic. One such activity, the Card Sort exercise, challenges students’ assumptions about product sustainability and reveals the complexities of categorizing everyday items.
Just as students find themselves engaged, Docteur is reminded that this fellowship is about educating, creating change, and being a disciple himself.
“I’m learning about the environment and minimizing plastic, and it’s a great learning experience even for me! I’ve started using compostable plates and cups, and have passed the message to my family and neighbors. I always share videos and pictures of what I do to inspire others. Orlando is a wonderful city, and we must keep it clean and healthy.”