Ah, life is good for film star Leonardo DiCaprio. He is dating “Gossip Girl” actress Blake Lively. First, we see Leo relaxing onboard motoryacht SEVEN SEAS, Steven Spielberg‘s multi-million dollar superyacht, during the recent Cannes Film Festival 2011.
Now we hear di Caprio news. He is about to take delivery of a 2012 Fisker Karma hybrid luxury sports sedan. And not just any Fisker Karma – the very first one ever built.
The actor leads the green enviro movement in Hollywood. His latest toy, like his Toyota Prius, is built with sustainability in mind. The Karma is designed by Henrik Fisker, formerly of Aston Martin, and has been developed around an aluminium chassis.
A pair of electric motors totaling 403hp powers The plug-in Karma. The first is a 22 kWh lithium ion battery. The second is a 175kW generator via a 2.2L gas engine.
Even with its eco-friendly background, the Karma features a 125 mph top speed. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.
Also waiting in line for his own hybrid is Al “An Inconvenient Truth” Gore.
Just imagine the buzz if Leo were to invest in a hybrid mega yacht charter vessel?!
Contact 1-800 Yacht Charters at https://1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/to learn more about the newest generation of green superyachts and to charter your own eco-friendly yacht for vacation.
This entry was posted in Good Times News and tagged Seven Seas, Henrik Fisker, Blake Lively, Toyota Prius, eco-friendly, hybrid superyacht, The Karma, James Bond, socially-responsible, Fisker Karma, Celebrities Who Enjoy Yacht Charter, Hybrid, Make A Difference, Steven Spielberg, Leonardo DiCaprio, Aston Martin, Cannes Film Festival
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Leave it to the folks at method®. They make biodegradable cleaning products. The company uses the power of business to create positive social and environmental change.
The next item in their arsenal is unique. method® packages their 2-in-1 dish + hand soap in bottles. The bottles are made with recovered ocean plastic.
Readers of our blog might recall our September 15, 2015 post detailing the alarming rate at which seabirds are eating plastic. Studies indicate 8 million metric tons of plastic dumped into our oceans each year. This plastic pollutes our environment. Additionally, it hurts our marine life populations.
method® hopes to raise awareness of the importance of reusing plastic. The packaging is a blend of recovered ocean plastic and post-consumer recycled plastic. Importantly, all plastic used to make the bottles was collected by method® employees!
We provide private luxury yacht charter vacations. Therefore, we know the importance of everyone doing their part – no matter how small that role might be. In addition, our company President, Jana Sheeder, often reminds the 1-800 Yacht Charters team of the Starfish parable. In her volunteer work, she often gives copies of the gratitudinous parable to her team.
– The Boy and the Starfish –
A man was walking along a deserted beach at sunset. As he walked he could see a young boy in the distance, as he drew nearer he noticed that the boy kept bending down, picking something up and throwing it into the water.
Time and again he kept hurling things into the ocean.
As the man approached even closer, he was able to see that the boy was picking up starfish that had been washed up on the beach and, one at a time he was throwing them back into the water.
The man asked the boy what he was doing, the boy replied, “I am throwing these washed up starfish back into the ocean, or else they will die through lack of oxygen. “But,” said the man, “You can’t possibly save them all, there are thousands on this beach, and this must be happening on hundreds of beaches along the coast. You can’t possibly make a difference.”
The boy looked down, frowning for a moment; then bent down to pick up another starfish, smiling as he threw it back into the sea. He replied, “I made a huge difference to that one!”
~Author Unknown~
In conclusion, book your luxury yacht charter vacation through 1-800 Yacht Charters and receive a gift. Specifically, a complimentary Eco-tote handbag for each member of your yacht charter party! For more information, contact 1-800-922-4824 or fill in our convenient online inquiry form at https://1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter News Educational and tagged eco-hero, method dish and hand soap, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, giveaway, eco-tote, RAK, biodegradable, The Starfish Parable, free gift, Random Act of Kindness, sustainable, method, repurposed plastic, plastic dish soap bottle, Jana Sheeder, seabirds eat plastic, Make A Difference, how many marine animals are killed annually by plastic
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As private luxury yacht charter brokers, working and living in South Florida is truly a blessing. This is the yachting capital of the world, and we are blessed with warm weather, great beaches, and year-round access to the newest and largest yachts in the world.
While our mission is to Deliver the Superyacht Experience™ to our clients, our business is built for the specific purpose of generosity: We strive for success in order to share our blessings with our community.
This week, on Thursday and Friday, EVERY PERSON AND CORPORATION in South Florida has a unique opportunity to be generous, by participating in The Miami Foundation’s Give Miami Day — a 24-hour period in which donations can be made online to more than 500 charities. The blitz begins 12:01 a.m. Thursday and runs for 24 hours.
Now in its third year, Give Miami Day has gained popularity with each campaign, with more and more charities coming on board. This year, Give Miami will include 115 new charities. For instance, Goodwill Industries, the South Beach Chamber Ensemble, the South Florida SPCA Horse and Large Farm Animal Rescue, and Honor Flight South Florida. Returning charities, for example, Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Inc., and Shake-A-Leg Miami – a sailing program for the physically-challenged.
Here’s how it works: Simply go to the website www.givemiamiday.org, look at the profiles of each charity, and make a donation to any charity (or charities) that touch your heart. Donations between $25 and $10,000 will qualify for a bonus for the recipient, distributed based on how much is raised and how much is collected in the bonus pool on Give Miami Day. The Miami Foundation, Knight Foundation, and other sponsors have contributed to the bonus pool as an “incentive” for giving.
One of the participating charities that we at 1-800 Yacht Charters support is Project PetSnip. Their mission is to stem the staggering pet overpopulation problem in Miami by providing free and low-cost spay and neuter services, along with veterinary health care to animals in need. Last year, we are proud to say, our company President, Jana Sheeder, donated over $4000 to Project PetSnip for the purchase of an autoclave – used to sterilized their medical/surgical tools. Jana explained how our participation helps: “By having additional clean instruments available, more animals can be cared for each day.”
Last year, Give Miami Day received more than 10,000 individual gifts like Jana’s, and raised $3.2 million to support 407 local nonprofit organizations.
There are so many worthy charities participating in give Miami Day – certainly there are one or two that will call out to you. ANY amount will help SO MANY!
Please join us Thursday and Friday for Give Miami Day. As Jana likes to say, “You can make a difference and you can change the world.”
What: The Miami Foundation’s Give Miami Day
When: Thursday, November 17 through Friday, November 18
How: Visit givemiamiday.org and either click on the charity of your choice, or search through the database. Donations between $25 and $10,000 qualify for a percentage of the bonus pool.
Social media: @MiamiFoundation on Twitter and Instagram — and (hashtag) #givemiamiday
For more information: givemiamiday.org.
In conclusion and in the meantime, please click to follow 1-800 Yacht Charters. We have many social media channels. For instance, instagram.com/1800yachtcharters/ and @yacht-charters on twitter. PLEASE FOLLOW US!
Thank you!
#1800yachtcharters #thesuperyachtexperience #yachtcharter
This entry was posted in News Special Events Educational and tagged Make A Difference, hashtag, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, #givemiamiday, the superyacht experience, donate, Give Miami Day, The Miami Foundation, south Florida, give back, project petsnip, Twitter, Jana Sheeder, Instagram
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Arranging luxury yacht charter vacations for celebrities and corporate titans requires Jana Sheeder to mix and mingle with the rich and famous. She frequently attends exclusive cocktail parties and special events. She can be seen, for example, at the Super Bowl and the Sony Ericsson Miami Open tennis tournament. While it sounds glamorous, Sheeder is quick to tell you she is happiest in work boots and gloves, cleaning a horse stable at an animal sanctuary.
“Arranging a Caribbean or Mediterranean yacht charter vacation on a superyacht is my vocation, but my passion is animal welfare,” says Sheeder, President and CEO of 1-800-YACHT CHARTERS.
Hers is a balancing act that requires tight scheduling and unwavering commitment to protecting abused and homeless animals. A typical day begins with releasing butterflies that Jana has raised to help pollinate the environment. A bit later, business meetings and emails to prospective megayacht charter customers are underway. Throw in the occasional personal inspection of a newly built superyacht. Later in the day, Sheeder exchanges her business suit for denim, as she heads to the local animal shelter to assist in a pet adoption event.
Weekends are a blur, as Sheeder often volunteers to help transport 5 to 25 rescued dogs and cats to a sanctuary 100 miles away. When not transporting animals, Sheeder spends time at a horse sanctuary, feeding and caring for abused and abandoned horses. Sanctuaries also have other livestock, for instance, goats, chickens, cows, and pigs, all of which add to the work life balance for Jana.
Recently, Sheeder drew the attention of TV’s Animal Planet as well as radio, news media, and newspapers. A serial cat killing spree left over two dozen dead and mutilated cats in South Florida. Sheeder worked with local animal rights advocates to arrange a safety seminar for hundreds of residents. A suspect was arrested just three days before the seminar. Sheeder cancelled the seminar and used the allocated time to spend the day volunteering at the county animal shelter!
“It’s all about making a difference in others’ lives – human AND animal.“
Book your private luxury yacht charter through 1-800 Yacht Charters to make a difference together.
This entry was posted in News Educational and tagged president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, volunteer, pay it forward, 1-800 Yacht Charters, Animal Planet, special events, cat killer, animal welfare, Jana Sheeder, passion, Make A Difference, butterflies, beach cleanups, Super Bowl, eco-hero, Tennis Tournament in Miami, animal rescue, yacht charter miami
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Trends in smartphone technology for yacht charter
In conclusion, here’s to another wonderful year ahead! Thank you for making a difference with 1-800 Yacht Charters!
This entry was posted in Educational Good Times and tagged Gadgets, Jana Sheeder, Make A Difference, Sustainable Products, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, recycle, give back, repurpose, Reduce, rethink, 1-800 Yacht Charters, Reuse, save the earth, eco-friendly
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Back in April , we took a look at the problem of trash in luxury yacht charter marinas., We offered suggestions of things we can all do to make a difference in the fight to protect our natural resources and ultimate planetary health. It’s always reassuring to know that our voice is just one of many. This is evidenced by a wonderful article written by Angela Orecchio. Angela is a yacht stewardess, and she is also the author of the blog Savvy Stewardess. Angela outlines six ideas that can help reduce plastic onboard yachts.
Much of what Angela suggests is particularly useful for people who own their own boats, and for bareboat yacht charter customers. Perhaps you’re not a boat owner. That’s ok – even guests onboard a fully-crewed private luxury yacht charter vessel will find some helpful ideas in Angela’s message.
Here’s a reprint of Angela’s story (with a few comments of our own):
“While I care a great deal about the environment, I’m just as guilty as anyone when it comes to buying plastic items for convenience.
Plastic is a major issue for the environment. Ocean Crusaders says there are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic floating in our ocean. It also has this startling fact: 1 million seabirds die from plastic. I also read that we have no idea how long it takes for all of the plastic we consume to fully break down.
Have you heard of the Great Garbage Patch floating in our ocean? It’s heartbreaking, yet there are things each of us can do daily to take care of the health of the planet.
This is the last resort of reducing plastic. But it’s important. Start by talking to the captain about setting up a recycling program that works onboard. Create the specifics of the program and hold a meeting/training about it. Ensure that everyone knows what to do and how important recycling is. Designate one crew member to be in charge of making sure the program is successful.
One way to start recycling is to have a “non-recycle” bin for usual trash, and then one set up for plastic, paper and other recyclables. Designate the removal and proper distribution of the recycling to the watch keeper as part of his/her end-of-night duties.
Double check on how and what to recycle as the yacht travels; it changes from place to place. If the port or marina where the yacht is docked does not have a recycling bin, first talk to the captain to get permission to meet with the yacht’s agent, DPA or dockmaster. Work with them to help set up a recycling program.
If they cannot help, reach out to the nearest recycling center. Either it can provide a recycling bin or someone there can identify where the nearest one is. If it’s a trip away, then potentially, this can be a bulk run done by one of the crew members when they go out every few days.
A lot of boats still buy cases of bottled water. Ask the engineer how water is filtered on board. If no one is sure if it’s potable, buy a water test kit and check it. If it’s not drinkable, get an external filter that sits under the sink in the crew mess and/or galley. Work with the engineer on what will work best for the boat. Reusable plastic water bottles are a better option than one-time-use plastic. Still, they become worn after a short time. I prefer a glass bottle with a rubber sleeve, which prevents the bottle from breaking.
[1-800 Yacht Charters Comment: some bareboats, and almost all luxury yacht charter vessels, have state-of-the-art watermakers onboard, capable of generating hundreds of gallons of clean, fresh water during a charter vacation. 1-800 Yacht Charters offers reusable glass bottles in rubber sleeves to our charter clients, as a way to encourage them to forgo disposable plastic bottles during their vacation.]
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters and 1-800 BAREBOAT with Eco-Hero Reusable Tote Bag
Many countries no longer give out shopping bags at checkout for free. It is easy to build up a collection of long-lasting shopping bags. Just remember to put them back in the crew car or somewhere they won’t be forgotten. Reusable produce bags are great alternatives to the plastic ones found on the roll in the produce sections.
[1-800 Yacht Charters Comment: at the end of this blog we tell you how you can get a complimentary Eco-Hero tote bag. Read on!]
Most boats use Tupperware of some kind. This is a fantastic alternative to zip-top bags. Still, Tupperware tends to wear eventually, especially after being stained by food and multiple dishwasher runs. A great alternative to plastic Tupperware is glass or stainless steel. Many companies make durable glass Tupperware with lids that can go in the oven, microwave and dishwasher. While the lids are plastic, the base will last for many years.
Avoiding zip-top bags on a yacht can be quite tricky. They are so convenient and they don’t take up much room like rigid food containers. Still, they are plastic. Some alternatives are re-usable sandwich bags, stainless steel or glass containers, and muslin wrap. If zip-top bags are a must, wash them out and reuse them. Get organized and designate one location for clean-but-used bags for less than sterile needs.
Plastic one-use straws are easy to replace. There are so many alternatives out there, including metal, glass and multi-use plastic or silicone straws.”
Our thanks to Angela for doing her part to protect our oceans, and for spreading the word. We can all make a difference!
This entry was posted in Educational and tagged Plastic, Jana Sheeder, Complimentary gift, Make A Difference, Sea birds, eco-hero, Great Garbage Patch, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, Ocean Crusaders, recycle, Savvy Stewardess, eco-totes, yacht charter stewardess, water bottles, thelastplasticstraw.org, Reduce, plastic pollution coalition, Reuse, eco-friendly, Straws
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“What do horse saddle pads have to do with boats, and private yacht charters, and the ocean?”
We love our work and are passionate about sharing The Superyacht Experience™ with our clients and friends. In addition, we love spending time away from the water. For example, on a ranch with horses, pastures, and clean, country air.
Last week, I noticed a stack of old saddle pads in the barn. They are still usable. Specifically, soft and thick, but starting to fray a bit.
We came up with an idea. In specific, a way to recycle the pads and put them to good use. Extend their lives.
So, we put washed the pads, tossed them into a couple of reusable, eco-friendly 1-800 Yacht Charter “Eco-tote” bags, and took them to our local animal rescue shelter, PAWS4YOU. It turns out, saddle pads make perfect beds for dogs!
The pads are mostly rectangular in shape, and filled with soft, cushiony fabric. The same thick fabric designed to protect a horse from the impact of a rider and saddle when riding makes a nice “bed” for a small to medium-sized dog.
Actual dog beds that you buy at a pet store are expensive and beyond the budget of most pet rescue organizations. It sure felt good when “Bernard” a rescued beagle available for adoption at PAWS4YOU came out to accept our donated saddle pads. We also had the extra satisfaction of knowing we made a difference on November 13th, World Kindness Day!!!
Our hats are forever tipped to the many volunteers at PAWS4YOU, and all they do to help shelter and adopt homeless and abused pets in Miami, Florida.
So, the next time you find old towels, blankets, (or, if you ride horses, a saddle pad or three) in your house (or barn), don’t throw them away. Wash them and find a local animal shelter in your community. Make a difference and donate them to help the animals! #horse #saddlepads #animalrescue
This entry was posted in Frequently Asked Questions Educational News and tagged donate, barn, World Kindness Day, special events, how to give back, eco-totes, Charity, nonprofit, Horses, what to do with saddle pads, Reuse, Make A Difference, how to help animals, random acts of kindness, how to help animal rescue, saddle pads, animal rescue, what do animal rescues need, diy, RAK, WKD, share with animals, sustainability, Paws 4 You, animal shelter, Paws4You, blankets
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The National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America has released a disturbing study detailing the threat of plastic pollution in the ocean, and its impact on seabirds. Plastic trash is found in 90 percent of seabirds. The rate is growing steadily as global production of plastics increases.
According to the Academy, the “Threat of plastic pollution to seabirds is global, pervasive, and increasing.”
The areas of impact facing the greatest threats are the southern boundary of the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans.
Plastic found inside birds includes bottle caps, plastic shopping bags, and tiny pieces the size of rice that have been broken down by the sun and waves.
After reading the study’s abstract, Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters commented on the health impact facing the seabirds. “Living along the coast of South Florida, I have seen the small plastic pieces of plastic that wash up into our mangroves and our shoreline,” says Sheeder. “The wildlife rescue groups that we support tell us sharp-edged plastic pieces can kills birds by punching holes in their internal organs. Some seabirds eat so much plastic, there is little room in their stomachs for food. Lack of food affects their body weight and jeopardizes their health.”
Sheeder echoes the concerns of scientists and environmentalists: “At current levels, virtually every seabird will be consuming plastic by 2050. If we don’t address this issue, we are looking at a major contributing factor to the possible extinction of many seabird species. We can’t let that happen.”
Sheeder feels her yachting industry can do more in terms of effective waste management to reduce the threat. “Almost all of the yachts we represent for private yacht charter vacations have the onboard capability to generate fresh drinking water. Now, when our clients request plastic bottled water to be placed onboard prior to their charter, we encourage them to forgo plastic and drink the yacht’s purified water.”
In lieu of plastic water bottles, Sheeder even offers her clients complimentary reusable beverage containers.
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, cleaning plastic and debris from coastline near her home in South Florida
Sheeder is confident the tide can be turned. “The report by the National Academy of Sciences paints a grim future. Consequently, it also points out that effective waste management can reduce the threat. Protecting our future means preserving the marine environment and promoting responsibility onboard our yachts, in the seas, and along our shores.”
Sheeder further comments, “Everyone can do something. Even just one thing every day. It’s not hard to take that extra moment to help another. Many prefer to stick their heads in the sand rather than being role models and making a difference.”
She encourages others to be the change and leave all areas better than you found them. Additionally, pick up trash. Properly dispose of your own trash. Moreover, give back to the environment, to animals, and to others. Subsequently, practice random acts of kindness (RAK’s) to people, animals, your community, and the environment. Finally, show your #Gratitude for the beauty of the wildlife and joy that they give you by protecting them. Use reusable totebags (versus plastic shopping bags) and be a 1-800 Yacht Charters Eco Hero!
Calling all eco heroes! Comment on this post and include your email address. Expect contact from us. We immediately send your own customized totebag. Be an #eco-hero with us!
This entry was posted in Frequently Asked Questions Educational Yacht Charter News and tagged protect the environment, protect marine life, Gratitude, random acts of kindness, Charity, beach cleanups, Be the Change, Destinations, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, Conservation Efforts, Jana Sheeder, Make A Difference, eco-friendly, 1800yachtcharters, Giftivism and Generosity, wildlife, yacht charter
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Please be an eco-hero and remove trash from our waterways
This is a photo from the beautiful Yachts Miami Beach Boat Show. Our inspections included several private luxury yacht charter vessels docked at the Deep Harbour Island Gardens marina, near downtown Miami, Florida. As we walked along the docks, I noticed our company President, Jana Sheeder, often pausing, bending down, picking up something, and putting it in her “Eco-Hero” tote bag. I asked Jana what she was picking up, and she paused and poured a few of the contents of her bag onto a locker box on the dock.
“Take a look,” she sighed. “This debris can easily end up in the water where it becomes part of the ocean pollution problem, as well as a threat to birds and marine life.”
So, I snapped the photo you see here.
When I look at this photo, I see beautiful superyachts that serve as a gateway to experience the wonders of our oceans. I see a segment of the tourism industry – private luxury yacht charter – that generates millions of dollars of revenue annually. I see a support network of thousands of crewmembers, dockhands, marina workers, and maintenance and repair staff. They all support their families from a livelihood that is inextricably dependent upon healthy oceans.
For me, the trash in the photo is a harsh reminder that the refuse we see floating in marinas and along the seawalls and walkways is a direct threat to the health of our waterways. It is also, therefore, a threat to our own livelihood.
As you read this blog, I can guess what some of you are thinking. “I’m not part of the problem – I would never throw trash in the water.” Good intention, but you or someone you know might still be directly responsible for pollution in our waterways.
It’s a common misconception that most trash comes from people throwing things directly into the water.
“Believe it or not, much to the trash in our waterways comes from litter thrown out of cars, litter that blows from surrounding areas into the waterways, illegal dumping, and this item really irks me – cigarettes left on the ground,” says Jana. “During a big rainstorm, all that junk ends up in the watershed, and some of it eventually makes its way down to the bays, harbors, marinas, beaches, and worse – onto our fragile coral reefs and into the stomachs of marine life (like fish and turtles) and shorebirds.”
Efforts are underway to rid our waterways of trash. In Baltimore, Maryland, two (rather cute) trash wheels are pulling debris from the harbor before it flows into Chesapeake Bay. “Mr. Trash Wheel” (male) and “Professor Trash Wheel” (female with eyelashes) are solar and hydro-powered trash interceptors in place in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Over a million pounds of trash has been pulled out of the water by Mr. Trash Wheel since it was installed in May 2014 (Professor Trash Wheel was installed in December 2016).
John Kellett (a true ECO-HERO!) invented the trash wheels and tracks the debris collected. Since May 2014, when Mr Trash Wheel went operational, almost nine million cigarette butts and over 300,000 plastic bags have been collected. Additionally, Mr. Trash Wheel picks up an average of 14,000 Styrofoam containers a month – second only to cigarettes.
Kellett echoes Jana’s thoughts that the problem starts on shore. “I thought we were being ambitious with the harbor, but now people are talking about cleaning up the ocean,” Kellett said. “But I think the most effective solution is to get the trash before it gets there.”
No matter where you live, you CAN make a difference and help protect our natural resources. Let’s review some simple steps we can all take:
What do I hope will happen? I look forward to the day that Mr. Trash Wheel and Professor Trash Wheel are forced to take days off because there is no debris for them to clean up!
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters and 1-800 BAREBOAT, with Eco-Hero Reusable Tote Bag
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If you are ready to make a difference, text HERO to 305-720-7245 and we’ll send you an “Eco-Hero” tote bag – just like the ones Jana carries with her and also uses at boat shows. It’s Jana’s gift to you – from Jana and our team at 1-800 Yacht Charters!
This entry was posted in News Educational and tagged eco-tote, styrofoam, karma, RAK, cigarette butts, Yacht Shows, good karma, Yachts Miami Beach Show, fishing line, ocean plastic, hydro-powered, Make A Difference, eco-totes, Baltimore, random acts of kindness, tourism, Maryland, Be the Change, trash in marinas, say no to plastic bags, solar, responsibility, feel the churn, eco-hero, be a role model, Mr. Trash Wheel, myth busting, John Kellett, Professor Trash Wheel, protect the ocean, female trash wheel, free gift
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