This month, we're highlighting Beatrice Barnes for her exceptional volunteer work advocating for plastics reduction within the Ventura Unified School District. Beatrice is a California Youth Climate Policy Ambassador who attends Foothill Tech. Beatrice worked with her friends to draft a VUSD Board Resolution to re-establish a district student-led sustainability committee to oversee and suggest district-wide environmental improvements. They helped to identify financially feasible alternatives for plastic wrapped sporks that will drastically reduce plastic waste at schools.
How long have you lived in Ventura? I have lived in Ventura for almost 18 years. I moved here from Santa Cruz, CA before my first birthday.
What makes you passionate about advocating for the ocean? Community building is one of my favorite aspects of advocating for the ocean. In my efforts to reduce single-use plastic waste in Ventura Unified School District cafeterias, I have met so many incredible individuals who share my vision for a sustainable future. In working with others to protect the environment, I have gained hope for the future and have come to appreciate the power of unification.
What gives you joy volunteering for Surfrider? As a Blue Water Task Force Lab Analyst, I enjoy examining how environmental conditions and human activity impact water quality at local beaches. The opportunity to educate myself while disseminating data that keeps our community safe is extremely fulfilling. Outside of the lab, I am President of Foothill Technology High School’s Environmental Action Club and I love attending beach cleanups with my fellow club members. In addition to protecting our local environment, I always cherish this time to enjoy the outdoors, bond with my peers, and collaborate with Surfrider’s supportive community.
What is your future hope for the health of the ocean? I envision a future with cleaner beaches and revitalized marine ecosystems, and I hope that more decisions at every level, from individual to societal, will be made with the ocean in mind. Through increased public awareness and cooperation, I know that humans can combat ocean pollution, species extinction, climate change, and other vexing environmental threats.
Anything else you want to share about yourself? I am currently a senior at Foothill Technology High School and I plan to study political science and environmental studies in college. In the future, I hope to continue my advocacy journey, pursue a career in environmental policy, and keep up with all of my favorite outdoor hobbies (surfing, backpacking, snowboarding, running, etc).