My name is Merijn Tinga. I am a biologist, passionate artist, and dedicated surfer. The Plastic Soup Surfer is the culmination of my passions: surfing, creativity, and knowledge.
I love adventure and love connecting with people. What drives me is the belief that together we can make a difference.
You can read all about it in my new book, Plastic Soup Surfer.
ABOUT
Merijn Tinga, better known as The Plastic Soup Surfer, is on a mission.
He wants to stop plastic pollution from entering our environment. Surfboards are his weapon: they tell a story everyone can relate to and are the means to get his message across. What started out as an awareness-generating project has now grown into a creative and change-making organisation. Their goal is to tackle plastic pollution at its source by focusing on change through policy reform and corporate responsibility measures.
Merijn Tinga, Plastic Soup Surfer
Biography
In the biography you will find a chronological overview of my campaigns, expeditions, and other actions as Plastic Soup Surfer. From the period as an artist and the birth of the Plastic Soup Surfer to the publication of my book. With links to all pages and videos about these activities.
Fighting Plastic Soup at the source
Our approach: the plastic soup problem can only be solved at its source by reducing the amount of plastic pollution that enters our environment. We advocate for better regulations and put pressure on companies to take responsibility for the litter their products produce.
Our methods: agenda-setting, activation, cooperation, and forcing breakthroughs.
Contact
Questions, press, media
For press and media contacts, interviews and general questions, you can contact:
Esther Leystra
esther@plasticsoupsurfer.org
Presentations, advice
As the Plastic Soup Surfer, I give inspiring presentations about my expeditions and campaigns to reduce plastic pollution. What can you or your company do in the fight against plastic soup?
I also advise companies and organizations.
Team
Over the years, the Plastic Soup Surfer Team has expanded with people who use their professional skills to help fight against plastic pollution.
Often their contribution is pro bono, but on major projects, campaigns and expeditions, fees are paid by our Plastic Free Sea Foundation.
See team members below on the page.
Plastic Free Sea Foundation
The Plastic Free Sea Foundation is the legal entity behind our work, established to monitor and manage donations and collaborations.
The goal of the Foundation is to raise awareness about the effects and dangers of plastic pollution in the (aquatic) environment.
The non profit foundation has an ANBI status (public benefit institution).
Team
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Merijn Tinga
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Martine Eyzenga
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Eelke Dekker
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Natascha van Neerven
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Esther Leystra
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Ben Vroom
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Alana Venos
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Eelkje Colmjon