Be part of the solution to tackle ocean plastic

Living in South Devon, we’re lucky to enjoy one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.

However, just like every other coastline on the planet, we’re facing a growing problem of plastic pollution that washes up on our local beaches with every tide.

That’s why we’ve teamed up with Surfers Against Sewage to run monthly beach cleans on our local beaches in the South Hams, Devon.

See our South Hams Beach Clean Series Facebook Page for the most up-to-date information on forthcoming beach cleans organised by us and Surfers Against Sewage.

It’s an incredible fact, that every piece of plastic ever made still exists somewhere on the earth today. What’s worse is that in the last 10 years we’ve produced more plastic than during the whole of the last century.

The trend for convenience and a disposable lifestyle is skyrocketing global plastic production, with at least half of it intended for single-use purposes.

It’s a huge problem, which needs to be urgently tackled on every level.

In the meantime, the equivalent of one truck load of plastic rubbish is being dumped into the ocean every minute!

Plastic in the ocean entangles, chokes or starves marine birds and wildlife, and as it breaks up into smaller pieces, it is eaten by the fish and shellfish that we like to eat.

It’s a ticking time bomb for human health, and the health of the ocean ecosystem, which we depend on for 70% of our oxygen too.

What can you do?

There are so many ways individuals can make a difference to improve the situation, and one of these ways is to adopt the habit of picking up plastic litter, wherever you see it, but particularly when near drains, waterways and the sea.

Join our beach cleans, or organise your own!

Despite the depressing nature of ocean plastic pollution, beach cleaning is a very uplifting activity. It’s rewarding to be part of the solution to tackle ocean plastic.

It is true that every piece of litter picked up makes a difference because it is one less piece that has the capacity to harm a bird or animal.

Beach cleaning is an ideal, FREE, family-friendly activity in the fresh air, with an educational aspect too.

It’s hard not to notice that some of the most common items washed up are everyday items we all use, and sometimes only for a matter of minutes.

It’s important that we’re aware of the consequences of our disposable society and become more conscious of our shopping habits.

One of the main reasons to come along to one of our Saturday beach cleans is that it’s fun!

Spending time on a beautiful beach, listening to the crashing waves and filling your lungs with fresh sea air (whatever the weather!) is one of the best ways to start your weekend. Plus you might come across an unusual find that will make for a great story to tell your friends later!

If you live local to us, we’d love to see you at one (or several!) of our South Hams series of beach cleans.

They will generally be held one Saturday each month for an hour, starting at 10am or 3pm depending on tide times.

See our South Hams Beach Clean Series Facebook Page for the most up-to-date information on forthcoming beach cleans organised by us and Surfers Against Sewage.

If you can’t make one of our organised beach cleans, you can make a positive impact anytime by doing your own litter pick, or mini beach clean anytime and anywhere.

No matter how small, even if only to pick up a few pieces, each person collecting rubbish as a regular habit will all add up to make a big difference.

Likewise, every time you refuse single-use plastic results in one less piece of plastic added to our overburdened waste stream.

You may also find it useful to read our 9 tips for living with less plastic.

With more and more people becoming aware of the massive issue of ocean plastic pollution, resolve to do what you can to make a difference today.

#BeTheChange #AWaveOfChange #PlasticFreeCoastlines #BeachClean #LessOceanPlastic #OurBluePlanet #BluePlanet2