THE "FREE THE SEA OF PLASTICS" SCARF by the island writer. 

It's not a secret that plastics are one of the greatest threats to our oceans. But, how could I help do something about it? As a past scuba diving instructor, I've silently thought about what I would do to help for years and I didn't want to just think about it anymore. I felt like I needed to do something to spread awareness about plastics in our oceans. About what I have personally experienced and observed while working underwater. About how the precious sea creatures can't tell the difference between what is plastic and what is food. 

My desire to spread this message has come out in a variety of ways, the first was writing a children's picture book about this topic. A project that is currently out on submission with my agent. In the meantime, I wanted to do something else and I turned to fashion. 

There is a men's clothing store here my hometown Richmond, VA named Peter-Blair. My cousin and god father Dick Fowlkes named the store after me and his other god child at the time, Peter Sisk. Peter-Blair specializes in ties and they also do an incredible job with their custom projects for various nonprofits, corporations, and schools. They have created scarves before and I have always wanted to do a custom project with them, but never had a real reason to. I figured there is no better time than now and created something I would wear as a woman. 

I wanted to find a unique way to display this problem under the sea. I met with my cousin Kate who Dick's sister and artist who draws the designs for Peter-Blair ties. I described to her the problem that is occurring under the water and showed pictures as inspiration. She helped bring this concept to life and we are very excited about the impact this scarf will have. The goal is to spread awareness about the confusion turtles have with plastic bags floating upside-down underwater, believe it or not, they look EXACTLY like their favorite food, jellyfish. It's very confusing to turtles, but even to us as scuba diving instructors, it is very difficult to tell the difference. 

Photos above are of the design process and color selection. The photo of the scarf is an example, the colors aren't exact but I wanted to give you an idea of the design. If you want to help out, that would be fantastic!

HOW CAN YOU JOIN THE ME TO FREE THE SEA OF PLASTICS? 
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1) You can order a scarf, and then when it comes in, WEAR it! That will help start the important conversations about the impact of plastic bags in our oceans. We all need to TALK about these important issues today. Cost: $100 per scarf. All proceeds will be donated.

2) If you don't want a scarf, you can donate to the movement: I'm taking orders and donations via cash, check, or Venmo. Venmo @blairnwilliamson and you can send an email with questions to blair.n.williamson@gmail.com.
*There is a limited quantity available.

3) If you don't want to donate and you don't want to order a scarf, PLEASE make a pledge to use reusable bags at the grocery store at the very least. Every person's actions *DO* matter! 

Friends and family, thank you to those who have been so supportive already. Your encouragement means the world to me... and the turtles. 

I'll keep everyone updated when they arrive, I hope by World Ocean's Day, June 8, 2022. 

XOXO,
​Blair


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