Every piece of plastic ever created still exists somewhere on our planet—and much of it ends up in the ocean. This Plastic Free July, we invite our Coast Film & Music Festival community to take small, intentional steps that create a big ripple effect for a cleaner, healthier ocean.

At Coast Summit ‘24, we explored what it really means to rethink our relationship with plastic. From material innovation to nature-based solutions, the conversations were bold, solution-driven, and full of hope.

🔁 Turning Waste into Resource: Highlights from the "Modern Alchemy" Panel

During our Modern Alchemy panel at Coast Summit, visionary leaders from Sungai Watch, Bureo, Stoked Plastics, and St3mS shared how they’re transforming ocean-bound plastics into surf fins, eyewear, home goods, and building materials.

Their work proves that what we throw away isn’t waste—it’s untapped potential. Through design, creativity, and collaboration, they’re showing us how the ocean’s biggest problem can become part of the solution.

🌿 Seaweed as a Climate Hero: Seaweed Stories Screening & Conversation

We also premiered Seaweed Stories, a visually stunning short film presented by Lonely Whale and Re:wild, narrated by Forest Whitaker. The film showcases seaweed’s incredible ability to draw down carbon, restore marine ecosystems, and inspire sustainable products that could replace plastic altogether.

The post-film panel included innovators like Julia Marsh (Sway) and Emy Kane (Lonely Whale) who are using seaweed to create biodegradable packaging and promote regenerative ocean farming as a key climate solution.

4 Ways to Go Plastic-Free This July

Looking to make a difference? Here are five easy ways to reduce your plastic use—and protect our oceans in the process:

1. Refuse Single-Use Plastics

Bring your own reusable water bottle, coffee cup, tote bag, and utensils. Say no to plastic straws, lids, and packaging whenever possible.

2. Choose Ocean-Friendly Brands, Restaurants, Hotels

Support companies that use recycled ocean plastics or create compostable, plant-based alternatives, advocate for the coastlines, remove all single-use plastic and polystyrene products, and provide water refill stations onsite! Many of our Coast Summit partners are leading the way, like Surfrider. Check out their Ocean Friendly Hotels Program and their Ocean Friendly Restaurants Program.

3. Shop in Bulk or Refill

Buy pantry staples in bulk or visit local refill stations to reduce plastic packaging at the source. Visiting Laguna Beach? Check out The Ritual Refill or check out the Laguna Beach Farmers Market every Saturday morning!

4. Join a Cleanup or Organize One

Participate in a beach, park, or trail cleanup—or host your own.

Why It Matters

Plastic Free July is more than a personal challenge—it’s a global movement. By shifting our habits, supporting sustainable innovation, and continuing to educate ourselves, we can reduce plastic pollution and protect what we love most: our ocean.

As we saw at Coast Summit ‘24, the future is being shaped by creators, scientists, activists, and everyday individuals who are willing to do things differently. We all have a role to play—and it starts with small choices that add up to big impact.

Check out our Coast Summit ’24 recap to learn more about Modern Alchemy, Seaweed Stories, and other powerful conversations from this year’s festival.

Let’s make this Plastic Free July count—for our coasts, our communities, and our climate.