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From Nurdles to the Capitol: How We’re Turning the Tide on Plastic

April 29, 2025

Local action matters—especially when it comes to solving the global problem of plastic pollution. Across the San Juan Islands, Friends of the San Juans is helping islanders of all ages become informed, empowered, and active protectors of the Salish Sea. This spring, three community-powered projects highlight how Friends is turning education into advocacy, and awareness ... read more

Friday Harbor Youth Support Recycling Reform in Olympia

January 30, 2024

The Friday Harbor Eco Club spent Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Olympia, advocating for legislation that would reform recycling and reduce packaging waste in WA State. The students were accompanied by Eco Club advisors, Jess Newley, Education and Community Science Director with Friends of the San Juans, and Katie Fleming, Solid Waste ... read more

Kaia Olson, Passing the Torch of Environmental Activism

May 19, 2022

Contributed by Kaia Olson, grandaughter of Friends’ Board member, San Olson. As a young person, I can’t emphasize enough the significance of seeing older activists continue to advocate for environmental action. Your work truly embodies the proverb: “We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”  Growing up with both ... read more

We live in such a pivotal time. Future generations are depending on us to protect and restore what will be their environment. We support the Friends because they tackle the issues that really make a big difference in our local environment, while also squeezing maximum value out of every dollar in their budget.

Ken and Mariann Carrasco

members, Orcas Island