How plastic in the ocean hurts animals
Plastic pollution is injuring, sickening and killing wildlife — from seabirds and turtles to seals and whales
Celeste
Meiffren-Swango
State Director, Environment Oregon
On staff: 2006-2009; 2010 to present
B.A., magna cum laude, University of Arizona
As director of Environment Oregon, Celeste develops and runs campaigns to win real results for Oregon’s environment. She has worked on issues ranging from preventing plastic pollution, stopping global warming, defending clean water, and protecting our beautiful places. Celeste’s organizing has helped to reduce kids’ exposure to lead in drinking water at childcare facilities in Oregon, encourage transportation electrification, ban single-use plastic grocery bags, defend our bedrock environmental laws and more. She is also the author of the children’s book, Myrtle the Turtle, empowering kids to prevent plastic pollution. Celeste lives in Portland, Ore., with her husband and two daughters, where they frequently enjoy the bounty of Oregon’s natural beauty.
The Pacific Northwest is such a special place to do environmental advocacy.
Posts by Celeste Meiffren-Swango
STATEMENT: Oregon launches ‘Recycling Modernization Act’
First ‘producer responsibility’ law in US for packaging, paper products takes effect
Environment Oregon 2025 legislative session wrap up
The 2025 Oregon legislative session is over. The Oregon legislature delivered some modest wins for the environment, but there's a lot more work to be done.
What can be recycled in Oregon?
Oregon's recycling system is getting an update. Here's a list of what you'll be able to recycle in Oregon starting on July 1st, 2025.
The Recycling Modernization Act is here. What does it mean for you?
The Recycling Modernization Act officially launched on July 1st, 2025. We break down what changes you can expect.