“Was “Plastics Fishing” in the canal an example of community service, service learning or engaged scholarship?”
“Stop Talking. Let’s start doing.” is the motto of Plastic Whale, a company whose mission is to inspire members of the community to move towards a plastic free environment. Together, our study abroad group teamed up with Plastic Whale to stir up some friendly competition all while taking concrete steps towards impactful change.
To me, getting to ride along with the Plastic Whale company was the perfect example of service learning and how it can strengthen students’ connection to the culture they are immersed in whilst studying abroad. Though I was quick to jump to the conclusion that what we were doing was community service, but doing so doesn’t do justice to the company’s mission. Our guides provided us with so much information about Amsterdam’s waterways and the steps being taken to alleviate the sheer volume of waste that ends up in them.
Not to brag or anything, but my group dominated plastic fishing, collecting double the amount of trash as our competitors (sorry Dr. Bryan!) and in my humble opinion, finding some of the coolest items. Seriously, how does a car headrest end up in the canal?
Carson Thorpe 