In this episode, Ocean Recovery Alliance Founder, Doug Woodring—one of the top 50 ‘Water Men of the World’ and International Swimming Hall of Fame inductee—shares how collaboration from all sides is needed to keep plastic out of the ocean. And how a global agreement could help shape a circular economy for plastics.
Doug Woodring, Director/Founder of Ocean Recovery Alliance
Doug Woodring, Director/Founder of Ocean Recovery AllianceDoug Woodring is the Founder and Managing Director of Ocean Recovery Alliance, which is focused on bringing innovative solutions, technology, collaborations and policy together to impact positive improvements for the health of the ocean. In 2018 he received the Prince’s Award for Innovative Philanthropy by Prince Albert of Monaco and has been recognized as a UN Climate Hero and a Google Earth Hero for his efforts. Ocean Recovery Alliance is one of the first NGOs to be working with both the United Nations Environment (UNEP) and the World Bank. Two global preventative projects on the issues of plastic waste were announced at the Clinton Global Initiative in 2010: the Plastic Disclosure Project, and the Global Alert platform.
Doug has worked in Asia for over 25 years in several industries which have been at the forefront of technology within their sectors, mainly related to the environment and new media platforms. He also spent four years in the asset management industry and set up the framework for a Global Environmental Technology fund in 1998 with Merrill Lynch. Born in Northern California, he has a dual master’s degree from The Wharton School (MBA) and Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and an undergraduate degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of California at Berkeley. Board of Directors: Ocean Recovery Alliance Inc.
Mia Quinn, Senior Director, Public Affairs at American Chemistry Council
Mia Quinn leads efforts to communicate the plastics industry’s major sustainability initiatives. She works to bring together experts to share insights in key areas of sustainability, including public policy, product design, recycling, and infrastructure.
She is passionate about collaboration, clear communication, and engaging audiences to learn more about innovation and modern solutions for our communities and our country.
Mia has a degree in political science from Washington University in St. Louis. She grew up in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado and is a lifelong Denver Broncos fan. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two sons.
Stew Harris, Senior Director, Global Plastics Policy at American Chemistry Council
Stewart Harris engages in international advocacy and global diplomacy on behalf of ACC, the World Plastics Council, and the International Council of Chemical Association, focused on driving global policies to advance sustainability and a circular economy for plastics with the lowest carbon footprint. He represents these associations in multiple arenas, including the United Nations Environment Assembly, Basel Convention, International Maritime Organization, and APEC, among others.
Presently, Stewart is leading ACC’s efforts to help countries draft a workable global agreement under the U.N. negotiations to address plastics in the environment. ACC is an accredited stakeholder to the United Nations Environment Program and is advocating for a legally binding global agreement that retains the societal benefits of plastics while ending plastic waste in our environment.
Stewart has a Master of Science Degree in Marine Estuarine and Environmental Stewardship from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Bucknell University. Stewart grew up in the area and spends time on the Chesapeake Bay with his wife and two boys.
