The Sconi

Eau Claire resident John Ellingsen spent the weekend organizing a community effort to clean up trash along the Chippewa River, hoping to prevent waste from making its way into the ocean. 

It was an act that earned Gov. Tony Evers' praise.

“Protecting our environment from pollution and preserving our public lands are core to who we are as Wisconsinites," Evers tweeted Nov. 14. "Thank you, John, for mobilizing your community to help do just that.” 

Evers shared an article by WEAU that highlights Ellingsen's initiative.

Ellingsen was inspired by Team Seas, an international fundraising initiative to help remove 30 million pounds of garbage from the oceans, the article said. Though he was unable to donate to the cause, Ellingsen told WEAU he wanted to do what he could do to help from his home city in Wisconsin, leading him to invite friends and family to collect trash along the river. As the weather gets warmer in the spring, Ellingsen said he plans to host more community clean-ups in his area.

The Team Seas initiative, created by YouTubers MrBeast and Mark Rober, aims to raise $30 million by the end of 2021, HITC reports. The YouTubers enlisted the help of content creators all around the world to spread awareness, inspiring many, including Ellingsen, to do what they can to help.

A report by Condor states an estimated 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic waste are currently in the oceans, with 8.3 million tons of plastic dumped into oceans every year. This plastic waste reportedly kills 100 million marine animals yearly.