Fort Worth Museum of Science and History Makes History Through Skype With Plastiki Crew Leader

David de Rothschild Encourages Young People To Make A Difference

FORT WORTH, Texas, June 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 200 guests at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History (FWMSH) – including 150 children and teens – learned firsthand about the environmental impact of plastic on the world's oceans during a 10-minute Skype session today (June 14, 2010) with Adventure Ecology founder and environmentalist David de Rothschild.  Rothschild linked into the Museum while on board the Plastiki, a 60-foot catamaran engineered from recyclable materials and 12,500 reclaimed plastic soda bottles, while sailing just north of Samoa.  Rothschild and his intrepid crew set sail aboard the Plastiki, an 'off-the-grid' vessel that showcases waste as a resource whilst being powered by renewable energy systems, to draw attention to the health of our oceans – in particular the Great Pacific Garbage Patch – March 22, 2010.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100614/DC20974 )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100614/DC20974 )

When asked "What gave you the idea to make your plastic boat, and why did you?" by Christin Andrews, a student from Crossland Ninth Grade Center, Granbury, Texas, de Rothschild replied, "The first thing is, be careful what you wish for because sometimes it might just happen.  I was reading a report about plastics in the ocean and wanted to figure out a way in which we could bring attention to this issue in an exciting way.  I wanted to really bring it to life.  After numerous discussions, I came up with the idea to create a boat entirely out of plastic to showcase the issues we are seeing in our oceans.

"The adventure began almost four years ago to the day we set sail," de Rothschild added.  "We've all got the capacity to make a difference.  So I urge all of you to find your own Plastikis to start your own dreams and really make your own adventures.  It really can make a difference in helping this planet."

Christian Gomez from the Crossland Center in Granbury asked, "What really encouraged you to make this risky journey around the world?"

Rothschild replied that he sees it as a very small risk compared to the risk that we are running of inaction.  "At the end of the day we are one species," de Rothschild said.  "There are millions of species on this planet that we have to share it with.  Sometimes we tend to forget that … so for me, this really seemed like a very very small risk if it could have a positive impact on helping us and all the other species live more sustainably.  I don't see it as a risk, really.

"Obviously, if you ask my mum the same question, she'll probably tell you something different," he added.  "At this stage I see it as a small step hopefully towards a big impact."

Rothschild moved the Skype camera around to show participants the interior of the catamaran including other crew members, the galley, and the navigation area, as well as the view out the window of a calm ocean.

"We are currently moving slowly, at 2.7 knots, and have 2,800 miles to go to get to Sydney," Rothschild said.  He also encouraged and thanked the audience.

"I want you guys to know that we are inspired by what you have done.  There are days when it gets very tough out here on the ocean," de Rothschild said.  "What you have done at the museum and all you guys showing up today is what keeps us going. You really are the inspiration – you are the change makers.  I appreciate your support and I'm so inspired so please keep doing what you are doing."

Museum of Science and History President Van A. Romans offered de Rothschild a personal thank you.  "You being here and talking with us in our Museum – conversing with us on Skype – is absolutely fantastic!" Romans said.  "We've got 150 kids here who are listening to you and they are going to make the change that you want."  Romans invited de Rothschild to Fort Worth and closed the session by wishing him and the crew good luck and a safe voyage.

Visit the following link to view the actual Skype session on YouTube:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCFaxR3FGZE.

The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Days.  For more information about the Museum visit www.fortworthmuseum.org or call 817-255-9300.

SOURCE Fort Worth Museum of Science and History