My Nonprofit Reviews

My name is Ashley Reep (age 22) and I will be graduating from UNCW this spring with a BA degree in Film Studies.

I started working with Plastic Ocean Project by getting involved at the University branch on campus at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington as lead videographer in the summer of 2023.

After attending the events and publishing reels on social media about the club and their mission, I got a call from Bonnie Monteleone, the founder of POP, asking if I would be willing to fly to Bermuda in the spring of 2024 to help film their ongoing research about microplastic in the North Atlantic Gyre. Without thinking, I immediately said "yes". At this point, we had never officially met each other but I have heard nothing but good things about her from my peers. As someone with no environmental science background other than someone who enjoys watching environmental documentaries in their free time, I had no idea what I was getting into but knew I had to do this. All of my experience in filmmaking and documenting current events had prepared me for this moment.

Visiting Bermuda was an eye-opening experience, witnessing plastic debris washing up on its beautiful beaches. Whale Bone Bay, in particular, was littered with microplastics, and I even saw a paper cup with bite marks from a fish that had ingested it. Seeing this issue firsthand, beyond the classroom and presentations and statistics, left an extreme impact on me and helped shape my career path.

Since my trip to Bermuda, I have dedicated my time to volunteering with Plastic Ocean Project. This has included documenting various cleanups and filming their annual For The Ocean Gala, which is a major fundraiser that supports the nonprofit’s ongoing research and efforts to combat plastic pollution in our oceans.

I am currently in the final stages of editing the Bermuda documentary (still untitled) filmed in April of 2024. I’m thrilled to showcase this year-long project when it is finished. It holds a special place in my heart, and I am deeply grateful for their support in allowing me to share their mission. POP works across many different fields, not just videography, offering diverse opportunities to highlight its significance and conservation efforts. No matter your age or your background, you can make a difference at Plastic Ocean Project.