Hi, I’m Jessica, but most people know me as Scuba Jess! I’m on a mission to protect our planet, one aluminum can at a time.
Born in New York and raised in Utah, I graduated from the University of Utah with a B.A. in International Studies and a minor in Japanese and Asian Studies. In 2008, I moved to Seattle and spent 15 years working at Evergreen Shipping. I shipped containers all over the world and learned about where commodites go, what they are turned into before being shipped again. It was fascinating but when I learned to scuba dive in 2014 just as sea stars along the coast began wasting away. It was so sad to see and I knew I needed to dedicate my life to helping our oceans.
Today, I serve as the Executive Director of the Recycling Society and one of the founders of Recycling is Like Magic. I believe education and action go hand in hand when it comes to sustainability.
I’ve always been obsessed with saving the oceans. As a passionate scuba diver, I’ve seen firsthand how pollution and climate change affect marine life. That’s why I’m dedicated to keeping valuable materials like aluminum out of landfills and waterways. Metal is infinitely recyclable, and by teaching the next generation how recycling works, we can create real change.
The Recycling Society is important to me because it brings communities together to make a measurable impact. Through education, convenience, competition, and incentives, we’re increasing recycling rates, supporting schools, and showing kids that recycling is pure magic!
I believe sustainability isn’t just about recycling, it’s about rethinking waste and making small, everyday choices that lead to a cleaner, healthier planet. Together, we can save our oceans, reduce waste, and create a future where metal never gets thrown in the trash.
✨ Live long and prosper! ♻️🌎🐙💙🖖
Seeking Out New Life – Port Townsend Leader
How “Scuba Jess” turns ocean trash into teaching
https://ptleader.com/articles/local-news/seeking-out-new-life/
Thanks a MILLION to KING 5 News in Seattle for letting me share about The Recycling Society’s Million Cans Recycling Contest and our work with the Washington Scuba Alliance to help remove 800,000 tires from Puget Sound — all to protect our amazing sea creatures and marine ecosystems.
So grateful for the opportunity to spread the word, inspire action, and show how recycling + community + ocean love can make a real difference.
Thanks a MILLION for helping us share this mission! 💙♻️🌊
Federal Way and Redmond schools compete in national aluminum can recycling contest
Exploring the Salish Sea
Film by Stephen Martin
Featuring Scuba Jess and the incredible marine life of the Pacific Northwest that we need to protect.
“The easiest way to protect what I see underwater? Never litter and always recycle your metal!”
Jessica is also the CEO (Chief Emoji Officer 😉) of PNW Diving — a community site where divers share dive reports, learn how to plan dives, see what marine life is in season, and get inspired to explore Puget Sound and the Pacific Northwest.
