Coast Summit ‘24
Coast Summit ‘24: A Gathering of Changemakers Driving Environmental Innovation
Coast Summit ‘24, the second annual thought leadership event within the Coast Film & Music Festival, brought together an inspiring lineup of environmental leaders, athletes, entrepreneurs, and activists on November 14, 2024. Presented by A New Earth Project, the summit fostered in-depth discussions on sustainability, conservation, and the power of storytelling to drive change.
The day opened with a morning coffee reception and a land acknowledgment ceremony led by Adelia Sandoval of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation. Wes Carter, President of Atlantic Packaging and founder of A New Earth Project, welcomed the audience of the second annual Coast Summit. This set the stage for a keynote fireside chat between RJ Scaringe, founder and CEO of Rivian, and Wes Carter. Their discussion emphasized the role of business in creating sustainable solutions and shifting industries toward a greener future.
Key Panels and Speakers
Modern Alchemy – Materials Transformation for a Healthy Planet
This panel spotlighted four pioneering organizations leading the charge in “modern alchemy”—transforming waste streams and natural resources into cutting-edge materials that are better for both people and the planet.
Gary Bencheghib, co-founder of Sungai Watch, shared his team’s efforts in tackling plastic pollution in Indonesia’s rivers. David Stover, co-founder and CEO of Bureo Inc., highlighted their innovative fishing net recycling program, which repurposes discarded nets into new products. Chase Kahmann, co-founder and CEO of St3ms (formerly ESG Brands), and James Merrill, co-founder and CEO of Stoked Plastics, discussed their unique approaches to developing sustainable packaging and eco-friendly materials. Moderated by Derek Sabori, sustainability expert and founder of The Underswell, the conversation explored key breakthroughs, challenges, and the future of sustainable material innovation.
Balancing Act: Finding Common Ground on Marine Protected Areas
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are essential in safeguarding fragile ocean ecosystems, yet their implementation often presents challenges for coastal communities that rely on these waters for recreation and livelihood. This panel explored the delicate balance between conservation and human access, bringing together a range of perspectives to identify solutions that protect both marine habitats and the people who depend on them.
Moderated by Anupa Asokan, founder of Fish On, the discussion featured renowned surfer and activist Ramon Navarro, who shared firsthand insights on the intersection of ocean conservation and local traditions. Dr. Chad Nelsen, CEO of the Surfrider Foundation, and Dr. Chugey Sepulveda, Director of Research and Education at the Pfleger Institute of Environmental Research (PIER), provided scientific and policy-driven perspectives on sustainable ocean management. Filmmaker and professional surfer Keith Malloy rounded out the conversation, offering a cultural and visual storytelling lens on the importance of protecting marine environments. Through open and honest dialogue, panelists explored global case studies, innovative solutions, and strategies for ensuring that MPAs serve both ecological and human interests.
Seaweed Stories: The Power of a Miraculous Plant
Seaweed has long been a vital part of ocean ecosystems, but new research and innovations reveal its potential to revolutionize sustainability. Recent discoveries suggest that Proterocladus antiquus, a type of green algae, is one of the oldest known plants on Earth—offering immense promise for future applications.
The session began with a screening of Seaweed Stories, a 30-minute film narrated by Forest Whitaker and presented by Lonely Whale in association with Re:wild. The documentary showcased the remarkable diversity, resilience, and untapped potential of seaweed, including its use in developing bioplastics as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.
Following the film, a dynamic panel discussion featured leaders at the forefront of seaweed innovation. Moderator Mike Long of A New Earth Project led the conversation with Emy Kane, Managing Director of Lonely Whale, who shared insights on the creation of the prestigious Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Prize and its role in accelerating sustainable material solutions. Julia Marsh, Co-founder and CEO of Sway, discussed how her company’s seaweed-based packaging won first place in the competition, offering a viable replacement for thin-film plastics. Bruce Moore, Director of Innovation and Sustainability at FLORENCE, highlighted how FLORENCE, as an Early Adopter, integrated Sway’s materials into its product line. The discussion emphasized the power of radical collaboration in disrupting industries and reshaping our relationship with materials.
Athletes as Activists: Harnessing the Power of Sport for Impact
As elite athletes command massive platforms and devoted fan bases, a new generation is harnessing their influence to drive meaningful progress on critical environmental and social issues. This panel explored the groundbreaking initiatives that pioneering athletes are spearheading, using their voices and platforms to inspire action and create real-world change.
Moderator Pat Parnell led a compelling conversation with professional skier Cody Townsend and marine scientist Kayla West, who discussed their collaboration on the Plastic Ocean Project, where they collect snow samples from remote backcountry locations to analyze for microplastics. By merging hard data with grassroots activism, their work is advancing the fight against plastic pollution while raising awareness within outdoor sports communities.
Lakota activist and professional skier Connor Ryan shared his work on The New Radical, a program designed to get Indigenous people onto the slopes using donated gear and equipment from his sponsors. Through this initiative, Ryan is not only increasing representation in outdoor recreation but also cultivating the next generation of environmental and community leaders. His efforts are documented in his YouTube series, where he highlights the intersection of Indigenous culture, sport, and activism.
Lingít scientist and big mountain skier Ellen Bradley offered another inspiring perspective, detailing her work in bringing Native youth onto the slopes in her traditional homelands of southeast Alaska. What started as a one-time event has grown into a larger movement, with Bradley partnering with tribal organizations and the broader ski community to make winter sports more accessible for Native kids.
The Power of Story to Drive Change
The final panel of Coast Summit ‘24 explored the profound impact of storytelling as a force for global action, with a special emphasis on inclusion and sustainability.
José González, founder of Latino Outdoors, shared how his organization uses storytelling to connect Latino communities with nature, creating a movement that makes outdoor spaces more inclusive and accessible. His mantra, “Estamos Aquí” (We are here), reflects his commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices in conservation and demonstrating the power of diverse perspectives in shaping impactful change.
Mike Marriner, founder of Roadtrip Nation, offered insights into how storytelling helps individuals discover meaningful career paths. Through documentaries, educational programs, and online resources, Roadtrip Nation empowers people to follow their passions and contribute to purpose-driven work. His approach highlights the importance of personal narratives in inspiring action.
Rounding out the panel, Kathy Kasic, founder of Metamorph Films, discussed her experience as a filmmaker specializing in science and natural history documentaries. With work featured on BBC, National Geographic, and PBS, Kasic has filmed in extreme environments from underwater rivers to Antarctic ice fields, capturing the beauty and complexity of the natural world. She also mentors the next generation of visual storytellers as an Associate Professor at California State University, Sacramento.
Moderator Josh “Bones” Murphy led the panel in an engaging discussion on how storytelling serves as a bridge between awareness and action, encouraging new ways to engage audiences in sustainability and environmental advocacy.
Listen to the full conversation of The Power of Story to Drive Change >>
Inspiration and Impact
Coast Summit ‘24 concluded with a closing reception, offering attendees a chance to reflect on the day's discussions and forge connections for future collaborations. The event reinforced the power of community, innovation, and passion in tackling the planet’s most urgent environmental challenges. With a growing network of thought leaders and changemakers, the summit continues to drive meaningful action for a more sustainable world.
Thank you to The Ecology Center for providing our guests with a delicious, organic, farm-to-table-inspired lunch!
Video production by Alani Media | Photographs by Heidi Zumbrun