Kickstart A Sea Change

Let me start by saying that this post probably wouldn’t be happening if I wasn’t on Midway right now. Why? Well, simply put…I wouldn’t have an attachment to this place. It sounds strange, but it’s because of all the things that have happened during this last month or so that I’m able to write this with such conviction.

Remember Chris Jordan? I’m willing to bet that most of the people reading this blog have some inkling of who that dude is. He’s the “Running the Numbers” guy yes, but most recently, he’s turned his sights on this tiny atoll in the middle of the Pacific. Not that I need to say it again, but we’ve got a bit of a plastic problem here. Bizarre? Yes. Wrong? Totally. Which is why Chris Jordan’s latest project is so damned exciting.

Albatross: a film by Chris Jordan

And did I mention that he’s here, filming right now? Cue dance of joy. I feel like the luckiest person ever, to not only be able to come out to Midway and see for myself what’s going on, but then to meet the person whose art I’ve been using as a tool to get people interested in plastic pollution! Not only that, but I’ve also had the distinct pleasure of meeting, eating dinner with and peeking over the shoulders of part of the Midway Journey film crew, which has been an incredible opportunity. One morning last weekend, us volunteers voluntarily (see what I did there?) got up at the crack of dawn to tail the crew as they filmed albatross and the sunrise. On another day, my boss Pete and I helped them film a scene for their end credits. I got to touch a very, very expensive camera and about died of excitement. Luckily, I remained composed enough to not knock the camera over. 😉

The point of all of this is that before meeting Chris and the crew, I was interested in the Midway Journey project but now I feel a personal connection to the story. Something changed when I realized that these were real people with real stories and real lives. This movie is their work and something that they are all totally passionate about. If given the opportunity, shouldn’t we try to help them continue to do what they love to do?

This movie isn’t just about plastics in birds on Midway, it’s much more than that. It’s a way to connect people with an issue that’s too big to handle and comprehend. The only way we can start a sea change is if we care about the issue at hand and this movie could prove to be just the tool we need. All you have to do is watch the trailer, check out their Kickstarter and pass it on. Believe me when I say that the Midway Journey crew will be filled with gratitude. 🙂