Sophie Ringel
Board of Advisors
Miami Beach, Florida
she, her, hers
Clean Miami Beach
How do you spend your days? What are your passions? What is your occupation?
Outdoors is my happy place, especially on the water and on the beach. Listening to the ocean is my favorite thing to do. I love being creative with washed ashore materials, I prefer working with natural things but now due to plastic pollution I am getting creative with washed ashore debris. I also love running and spending quality time with friends on the beach.
Explain your connection to the ocean. How does it influence your life?
The ocean is so full of wonders. While realizing how big the ocean is I'm sometimes scared of it and at the same time enjoying all the feelings. I'm so curious to discover its mysteries. Floating in the ocean is so calming and peaceful, the ocean washed away all worries and fears and protects me and also surprises me. When ever i'm overwhelmed, sad, anxious or angry, I go to the ocean and tell it all about it. The ocean listens peacefully and makes everything better and calmer. Even when the ocean is rough and stormy it is still calming. I want to protect it with all my heart.
The mission of Saltwater Classroom is to bring together young students, as well as learners of all ages, through an innovative approach to ocean education. How does this apply to your experience?
Every second breath we take comes from the ocean. This message is so important, lets spread it far and wide. There are 170 trillion pieces of plastic in the ocean, and every wave washes some of these pieces ashore. Collecting them and making art out of them is a wonderful way to teach about consumption, after life of thrown away materials, impacts on the natural world and sustainable options/life changes.
What are your earliest ocean memories?
I did not grow up on the ocean but my family took me to the ocean at least once a year for a family vacation. First thing (before unpacking) was going to the ocean and getting mesmerized by the ocean waves. I closed my eyes and became one with the ocean.
If you had to pick one thing, what is your favorite aspect of the ocean? We know, it's a broad question.
The beautiful under water gardens and all the beautiful colorful fish swimming in it.
Is there a dream ocean destination on your list? Where would you travel to next?
I'm dying to go to the Bahamas.
Anything else to add?
I love Saltwater Classroom and Lexi, it is such an honor to have connected through Instagram and now in person. It is an honor to me to serve on the advisory board.
Founder & Executive Director