get to know us

Samantha is a life-long Michigander, environmental educator, and bird-nerd who has always had a passion for conserving natural resources. Most of her work is centered on increasing awareness of the interconnectedness of this precious planet and protecting human and environmental health. Currently, she is supporting public and environmental health policy in her position at Michigan Environmental Council. She's also a Wayne State University graduate student where she is working on a dual masters in both public health and urban sustainability.

Hannah Tizedes is a Great Lakes advocate, artist and sustainability educator focused on finding solutions for our plastic pollution crisis through the intersection of arts and sciences.
She is the founder of the Michigan-based nonprofit, The Cleanup Club, and works for the global nonprofit, The 5 Gyres Institute.
She is a Michigan native and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University in Environmental & Sustainability Studies and Creative Advertising. She has since worked on various environmental-focused campaigns with brands & organizations such as The Surfrider Foundation, Blueland, Pinterest, & more.

Tami Renkoski is a retired Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) with over 32 years of comprehensive industrial hygiene and occupational health and safety experience primarily in the environmental field.
She was an independent woman-owned consultant for 15 years and has managed US environmental health & safety programs for global engineering firms including MWH Global and Stantec.
Ms. Renkoski has devoted her retirement to the climate crisis and focusing on reducing microplastics in the Great Lakes.

Art Hirsch is a former environmental engineering consultant with over 30 years of experience. He lives in Boulder Colorado and spends his summers in the Ludington/Pentwater Michigan area.
He is originally from Michigan, and he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University in Fisheries and Wildlife and a Master of Science degree from the University of Colorado in Environmental Engineering.
His expertise is in the areas of water quality, stormwater management, microplastics and plastics, sustainability, climate change risk and environmental impact assessments.
He has been an independent activist for over 5 years and in Michigan is currently working on microplastics pollution in the Great Lakes in the areas of education and outreach, and federal and state legislation development.