Driving Change: Tackling Plastic Pollution Through Innovation and Education

Ailun (Ellen) is a passionate and dedicated individual, known for her enthusiasm in both academic and extracurricular pursuits. Not only is she skilled in rowing and playing the guitar, but her interests also extend to engaging with wildlife, showcasing her deep connection with nature.

Ellen’s commitment to excellence is evident in her academic achievements. She has excelled in her Environmental Science and AP Language classes, consistently earning top grades. Her dedication has also led to significant accomplishments in competitions, including securing a gold medal in iGEM 2023 and placing 5th in the East China division of USAP 2020. Beyond academics, Ellen is actively involved in volunteer work, contributing as a laboratory assistant and library volunteer. Her hard work has been recognized with several school awards, including titles that translate to "Elite Student" and "Special Merit Student."

However, Ellen’s commitment to making a positive impact extends far beyond her personal achievements. She is the founder of PlasticFree Horizon, an organization dedicated to combating plastic pollution. Recognizing the critical issue that plastic pollution poses to both ecosystems and human health, Ellen’s mission is to create a world where biodegradable plastics replace traditional plastics, thereby eliminating the harmful accumulation of plastic waste.

PlasticFree Horizon is actively working to reduce plastic pollution in schools by promoting recycling, minimizing single-use plastics, educating the community about the impacts of plastic waste, and fostering a culture of sustainability through an eco-friendly platform. The organization’s solutions include setting up recycling bins around schools, organizing awareness campaigns, encouraging the use of reusable alternatives, and advocating for plastic-free events. Ellen also leads peer education programs, social media advocacy efforts, and community clean-up events, all aimed at engaging the community and fostering a culture of sustainability.

The urgency of addressing plastic pollution cannot be overstated. Currently, over 8 million tons of plastic waste end up in the oceans each year, severely harming marine life and ecosystems. It’s estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans by weight if current trends continue. Moreover, plastics take hundreds of years to decompose, and they break down into microplastics that enter the food chain, posing serious health risks to humans and wildlife alike. These alarming statistics underscore the need for immediate and innovative solutions.

The framework of PlasticFree Horizon is built on the principles of supporting sustainable practices, utilizing resources to promote biodegradable alternatives, and implementing innovative solutions to reduce plastic pollution. The future roadmap of the organization is structured in phases, beginning with awareness and education, followed by the initial implementation of biodegradable products, expansion and advocacy, and culminating in long-term sustainability and impact.

Ellen’s work with PlasticFree Horizon aligns closely with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Her efforts contribute to creating a more sustainable future by addressing plastic pollution at its source and inspiring others to join the movement.

As Jane Goodall wisely said, "What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." Ellen’s dedication to reducing plastic pollution is a testament to her commitment to making a positive difference in the world.