Take Action

From government policies to individual campaigns, a revolution is underway. Across the world, consumers are urging businesses to do more to stem the plastic tide. And their calls are being answered. Supermarkets have pledged to reduce the plastic packaging in their stores, with some introducing plastic-free aisles. Restaurants, cafés, and sports venues are banning straws and phasing out other unnecessary plastic. 

We can all be part of the change we want to see. Why not take the #CleanSeas pledge here  and join this exciting movement.

 

And for inspiration, here are some things we can all do to turn back the toxic tide:

Try Plogging

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. 

Clean a Beach

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.

 

Clean a River

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.

Quit Smoking

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.

 

Shop Sustainably

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.

Try a Zero-Waste Lifestyle

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.

Travel Sustainably

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.

Spread the #CleanSeas Message

Talk to your friends, family and social media followers about the #CleanSeas campaign and 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.

Become a Campaigner

Ask food suppliers and your local supermarkets to ditch plastic packaging, refuse plastic cutlery and straws at restaurants, and tell them why. Pressure your local authorities to improve how they manage waste. Remember: if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

Dress Sustainably

“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.

Choose plastic-free personal care products

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. Check out our What’s In Your Bathroom? interactive to see just what we are talking about.