As Earth Day approaches, our commitment to preserving our planet grows stronger. This year, we're diving into the heart of a critical issue: plastic pollution in our oceans. Join us on our journey to Ride the #EcoWave, where each of us can make a difference in the fight against this pervasive threat to marine life and the environment.
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The Plight of Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Every year, over 8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean (that’s equivalent to dumping a rubbish truck of plastic into the ocean every minute). If the amount of plastic which enters our ocean continues at this rate, it’s said they’ll be more plastic in the ocean than sea life by 2050!
The impact on our sea life, ecosystems and human health can have devasting consequences. Marine life, such as sea turtles, whales, seabirds, and other creatures often mistaking plastic for food, leading to ingestion and entanglement. This can result in suffocation, starvation, and death.
In addition to this, plastic pollution doesn’t stay confined to coastal areas; it travels through ocean currents, forming massive gyres such as the infamous Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
Riding the EcoWave: How You Can Help
The good news is that each of us has the power to be part of the solution. By making small changes in our daily lives, we can collectively reduce plastic pollution and live more sustainably.
1. Reduce Single-Use Plastics:
Bring Your Own: whether it's a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, or shopping bag, opting for reusable items drastically reduces single-use plastic waste.
Say No to Straws: plastic straws are among the top pollutants found on beaches. Skip the straw or choose eco-friendly alternatives like metal or bamboo.
Be the Wave of Change and join Fresh in our one-week challenge to swap out all single-use plastics!
2. Proper Disposal and Recycling:
Dispose Responsibly: make sure to properly dispose of plastic waste, recycling whenever possible. Be mindful of local recycling guidelines.
Participate in Cleanups: join or organise beach cleanups in your community to remove plastic debris from shorelines before it reaches the ocean.
Why not organise a community clean up with our flatmates and Residents’ Teams! Many of our properties have made big differences in their local lakes, ponds and general area by removing rubbish and disposing of correctly.
3. Support Sustainable Brands and Initiatives:
Choose Sustainable Products: look for products made from recycled materials and support companies committed to reducing plastic packaging.
Advocate for Change: support policies and initiatives that promote plastic reduction and responsible waste management in your area.
Join our upcycling Floral Footsteps event by flower printing your old items of clothing to bring them back to life.
4. Educate and Inspire Others:
Spread Awareness: share information about plastic pollution with friends, family, and on social media. Education is key to inspiring action.
Lead by Example: be a role model for sustainable living. Your actions can inspire others to make positive changes in their own lives.
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This Earth Day, let's Ride the EcoWave together. By adopting sustainable habits and advocating for a plastic-free future, we can protect our oceans, marine life, and the planet for generations to come.
Are you ready to make a difference? Share your eco-friendly tips and stories with us using #RideTheEcoWave and let's create a ripple of change this Earth Day 2024. Together, we can turn the tide on plastic pollution and pave the way for a cleaner, greener planet.
Let's make every day Earth Day.
To find out more on plastic pollution and how to be part of the change, visit www.earthday.org
Check out Earth Day events happening all over the UK that you can get involved in here.
Ride the #EcoWave. Save our Seas. Protect our Planet.
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