Environmental activist shows students how to reduce plastic waste

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Monday night Rob Greenfield, an environmental activist, spoke with UNCW students.

Greenfield said he is working with students and staff in UNCW’s environmental studies department to bring more awareness specifically to plastic waste created from food packaging.

Greenfield said he wasn’t always an activist looking to make a change. He said once was very materialistic and cared a lot about money and possessions.

“I had a lot of nice stuff, focused my life on money and you know I honestly did enjoy it, but then I realized that there are so many problems, environmental problems, social problems in the United States and around the world and I decided I didn’t want to be a part of those problems,” said Greenfield.

He said he got a bike for transportation, changed his diet and adopted a zero waste lifestyle as he began traveling throughout the world. Those adventures were documented on the Discovery Channel. While he made big changes in his life he said not everyone has to go that far to make a difference.

“What I like to show people, especially young people, is that now is the time to make small changes in your life that will ultimately will create big differences,” said Greenfield.

He said small changes like drinking out of a reusable water bottle, or using reusable bags can go a long way.

“I believe that once you start to make little changes, whether it’s bringing a reusable bag to the grocery store or it’s biking a little bit more rather than driving, these little changes begin to build on each other and you start to feel better about yourself and what you’re doing,” said Greenfield.