Two graduates of UC Irvine's Department of Earth System Science doctoral program have opened a zero-waste market to prevent additional ocean plastic waste. The two graduates, Jessica Walden and Chris McGuire, were inspired to establish the business after their studies demonstrated immense amounts of microplastics in ocean water samples. Allowing customers to take home products in jars or paper bags, the market sells bulk natural and organic pantry staples and health foods. Naming the market Amis de la Terre Zero-Waste Market, a nod to Walden’s time studying in France, the duo have located the market in Costa Mesa.

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