Pollution, such as plastic, is hurting Florida’s diverse wildlife and threatening the state’s pristine beaches and waters. One St. Petersburg boy is dedicated to helping the oceans become healthy, thriving and full of life.
Kids Saving Oceans is a nonprofit organization created by 9-year-old Miles Fetherston-Resch, who mission-driven efforts began after watching Shark Week on the Discovery Channel with his parents. He was concerned by how humans were treating the oceans and waterways and wanted to make a difference.
“Every summer, we go to Amelia Island. And that’s like where I first was introduced to plastic pollution,” Fetherston-Resch said. “It feels really nice. Because well, I know I’m making a difference in the world.”
Kids Saving Oceans makes products from recycled materials and donates 30% to marine conservation nonprofit groups. The products include t-shirts, hats, and stickers that are made from recycled or sustainable material’s. Miles has been recognized for his work and passion towards the ocean countless of times, including being a finalist for the U.S. Times Magazine “Kid of The Year” award.
“It was really awesome. I just felt like I was super recognized and appreciated,” Fetherston-Resch said.
Kids Saving Oceans has partnered up with nonprofit organization Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful for beach cleanups and to host local events to raise money and awareness. To get other kids involved, Miles has even wrote a children’s book with author Tori McGee.
“Little kids totally love it and I think they are getting super inspired by it,” Fetherston-Resch said.
Miles parents were able to help him launch Kids Saving Oceans, which has become a popular event in St. Petersburg. He continues to raise money for sea life charities and has a goal to reach $1million by the time he turns 18.
“You can buy a wooden toothbrush instead of a plastic one,” Fetherston-Resch said. “One of the things is that you can look around your house and look for single use items that you could replace with multi-use items that you can use over and over again.”
Credits
Reporters: Kaia Troy
Anchor: Kacie Crown
Show Editor: Kacie Crown
Web Editor: Arianna McQueen
