Big Muddy Speaker Series presents:
Breaking Free from the Plastic Crisis
This presentation was originally given on November 12th, 2024 in Columbia, Missouri.Â
Dana Ripper of the Missouri River Bird Observatory gave what proved to be a master class on plastic pollution - a topic that can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, as is evident in Dana's work, all is not lost! This presentation explores the current state of the plastic crisis; from the origins of plastic to its harmful journey through our waterways, wildlife, and even our bodies. Dana shows us how this pervasive material impacts every corner of the globe. She also highlights the key points in the lifecycle of plastic where we can make a difference and shares some practical ways to get involved. Together, we can chart a course for a cleaner, healthier planet—starting right here on the Big Muddy!
Meet Your Presenter
Dana Ripper
, Executive Director and Co-founder, Missouri River Bird Observatory
Dana Ripper is a wildlife ecologist who focuses on conservation via ecosystem health. She has an MS in ecology from Arkansas State University (2002) and worked on wildlife research projects across the U.S. before making Missouri home in 2008. In 2010, Dana co-founded the Missouri River Bird Observatory (MRBO), a nonprofit organization dedicated to conservation via science, education, and advocacy. Since plastic production and waste mismanagement pose significant threats to climate stability, biotic and abiotic natural resources, and human health and quality of life, one of Dana’s major emphases in her work with MRBO is systemic reduction in single-use plastics. MRBO is an affiliate organization of Break Free From Plastic and Beyond Plastics. Dana is a certified presenter with the Beyond Plastics Speakers Bureau.
Related Presentations
Resources & Links
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The Big Muddy Speaker Series in Columbia is hosted by these wonderful partners:
Upcoming Presentations
Introducing the Missouri River Center for Conservation Innovation
October 13, 2026Columbia, MO
Join us for an evening with Zack Miller to learn about the Missouri River Center for Conservation Innovation.
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Leave No Trace Training on the Barge
October 14, 2026St. Louis, MO
Join us for a special Big Muddy Speaker Series on the Living Lands & Waters Barge where Perry Whitaker will lead us in a Leave No Trace Training.
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Missouri River Relief: 25 Years on the Big Muddy
November 10, 2026Columbia, MO
Join us for a journey through time celebrating 25 years of Missouri River Relief's work on the Big Muddy.
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Plastic Pollution, Gulf Hypoxia, and Water Quality
November 11, 2026St Charles, MO
Jennifer Wendt from MidAmerica Clean Future guides us through understanding regional water quality challenges.
See Event