Clearwater Innovation Encourages Activism Against Ocean Plastic Pollution at the 2026 Barrio Logan Science & Art Expo

Neighboring the vibrant murals in cultural hotspot Chicano Park, the Barrio Logan Science and Art Expo hosts its annual fair on April 11, 2026, allowing free exploration of San Diego community members across various booths. To educate younger generations in ocean plastic pollution and inspire activism in environmental conservation, Clearwater Innovation invites young visitors to read about the crisis sea creatures face navigating through plastic-littered waters. 

As families approach the booth, Ruby Dai, Joann Xie, and Alex Zhang encourage children to color various paper cutouts of sharks, fish, octopus, and more. A trifold painted with vivid colors depicting an underwater ocean is laid out at the booth, tainted with plastic litter taped throughout the water. When children finished coloring, their sea animals were added into the ocean world, forced to live with the surrounding plastic. 

Every year, more than 11 million tons of plastic raid the ocean, killing over 100,000 marine animals as they consume and entangle themselves in the non-biodegradable material. More of these jarring facts were displayed at Clearwater Innovation’s booth in hopes of leaving a lasting impression on visiting children. Clearwater Innovation’s student activists aspire to convey the importance of reducing plastic waste to the next generation, spreading their ongoing mission of water conservation. 

Though expressing a serious ongoing crisis, activists at Clearwater Innovation hoped to bring fun and joy to children visiting their booth. Providing numerous sets of coloring materials, kids were encouraged to use their creativity in coloring diverse sea creatures. Snacks and drinks were also shared to visitors, giving families a joyful and memorable experience. Alongside their impactful cause, Clearwater Innovation hoped to build connections with diverse members of the San Diego community, enriching their experience at the Expo.