My name is Marie, and I started this website because I am an environmentalist and a mother.
I named the blog Because Turtles Eat Plastic Bags for my son. When he was just 3, he would tell people in store check-out lines that the reason we had our own cloth bags with us was “because the turtles eat the plastic bags.” My adorable boy would get smiles and laughs over this, but he was absolutely right! He’s a little older now but the name stuck. He even writes his own articles sometimes!
And then I actually saw a turtle walking by plastic waste…
I’d been contemplating writing this blog for a long time, but balancing family responsibilities and a full-time job kept me busy. Just a few months before launching, my family and I took a vacation to the Southern Outer Banks to visit my college best friend. One afternoon, I watched a turtle walk along a beach strewn with plastic, and something inside me shifted. That moment wasn’t just a wake-up call—it was a quiet, powerful realization that the time had come to act. Fueled by a desire to make a difference and help others confront the environmental issues we all face, I knew I had to take the plunge. My son’s innocent wonder at the world continues to inspire me.
I live in Chattanooga, Tennessee with my spouse, son, and 2 dogs. We love nature and the outdoors and visit coastlines as often as we can.
The Banana Slug String Band wrote this song, which would be my theme song if I had one:
I have so much I want to share with you. Thank you for reading – and please subscribe if you want to follow my journey!