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TAKE ACTION

If you jog regularly, why not pick up plastic litter while you run and join the thousands of people plogging (a combination of ‘jogging’ and the Swedish word for ‘pick up’, plocka upp). The plogging movement was started in Sweden in 2016 but is now global with plogging groups and events in many countries. Go on, give it a go. It’ll take just a second to pick up that piece of plastic but think of all those extra muscles you’ll be using.

If you live near a coastline, why not find out if there are any beach clean-ups in your area and join in? Or take your family along on your beach walk and start your own clean-up.

You don’t live near a coastline? Not to worry! 80% of marine litter originates from land and rivers drain a considerable amount of plastic waste into the oceans. If there aren’t any river clean ups near your area you can do your own river clean-up. Not only will the river look nicer, but it will ultimately benefit it’s ecosystem and the world’s oceans. 

We are all aware of the noxious health effects of smoking but did you know that by smoking, you are contributing to the plastic that enters the ocean? Every day, 18 billion cigarettes are bought around the world, each containing plastic filters and toxic chemicals. These eventually end up in landfills — polluting and damaging the environment — or in the sea where they threaten the life of all marine species. Consistently, for over 25 years, cigarettes butts have been the top item collected during the International Coastal Cleanup.

When you are out shopping, try to reduce your plastic waste and your overall effect on the environment by only buying the food you need, choosing food with no plastic packaging, carrying a reusable bag, buying locally produced food and if possible, refilling containers instead of buying new ones.

Go one step further and become a zero-waste champion. Invest in sustainable, ocean-friendly products such as reusable coffee mugs, water bottles and food wraps and consider options like menstrual cups, bamboo toothbrushes and shampoo bars. These choices will help save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to keep buying disposable products. And you’ll be saving the ocean too. It’s a win-win.

When you are on holiday, try to watch your single-use plastic intake. Refuse miniature personal care bottles in hotel rooms, take your own reusable drinking bottle and use reef-safe sunscreen, which doesn’t contain microplastics.

Talk to your friends, family and social media followers about the need to move away from single-use plastics. Tell them what changes you are making, persuade them to join a beach clean-up and ask them to spread the word even further.
Yes, there are such places and they are marked by a special blue sign. If you find yourself in a regular restaurant refuse plastic cutlery and straws and tell the staff why. Pressure will lead the management to improve how they manage waste. Remember: if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

“Fast fashion” is so last year. Consider sustainable clothing lines, vintage shops and keeping your clothes for longer by repairing them when possible. The fashion industry produces 20 per cent of global wastewater and 10 per cent of global carbon emissions. This is more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. So do your bit and go slow with your fashion.

Personal care products are a major source of microplastics, which get washed into the oceans straight from our bathrooms. Look for plastic-free face wash, day cream, makeup, deodorant, shampoo and other products.

It is easy! Most of the cities have already developed domestic waste recycling systems. Some municipalities have even implemented recycling depots for waste electronics and old clothes and shoes as well as old furniture re-use centers. Take advantage! It is free and the satisfaction of helping nature is priceless!

GET ENGAGED

Anyone can contribute to environment improvement

    You can leave your name and email and we will inform you if we organize initiatives related to your desire to help in the following areas:





    Every day, while walking, I will collect at least 3 pieces of waste and dispose or recycle themThis year I will participate in at least one beach or river cleaning initiativeEvery time I go to the beach or near a river I will collect my own and at least 3 other people's pieces of waste and dispose them in the trashI will quit smokingWhen shopping, I will use my own recyclable bag instead of the disposable plastic bagsI will use my own reusable and recyclable food containersI will drink from my own reusable bottleI will bring my own mug when buying take-away coffeeI will actively share the benefits of protecting the world ocean with my family and friends and on social mediaI will eat at restaurants that are declared free of plastic and will stop using plastic straws and cutleryI will prefer sustainable fashion linesI will review my personal care and sunscreen products and choose nature-friendly onesI will re-use and re-cycle


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    Tell us what you did to keep waters and beaches clean. Your story can inspire others.





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