One person. That’s how many people it takes to make a difference in the health of the ocean, says the Ocean Conservancy, created in 1972 to generate science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it.
The Ocean Conservancy formed International Coastal Cleanup Day, planned this year for Sept. 17. In 2015, more than 18 million pounds of trash were collected from nearshore environments by about 800,000 volunteers. Making the top 10 list of trash collected were straws and stirrers, topping out at 439,151.
Straws pose a danger to marine life, especially sea turtles, as these thin plastic tubes are often mistaken for food. To combat this problem, the Ocean Conservancy is asking the citizens of the world to Skip the Straw at restaurants and even to request restaurants stop including a straw with their drinks.
You can also take the pledge to turn the tide on ocean trash on the Ocean Conservancy website. People who pledge are urged to reduce their use of one-time use products, to be a Good Mate when they boat, to make sustainable lifestyle choices and to take part in the annual Coastal Cleanup. Download Rippl, a free mobile app, to help you make sustainable choices via green-living tips and reduce your trash impact.
Along the Alabama Gulf Coast, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach both adopted the Leave Only Footprints ordinance that requires any beach equipment – including tents, canopies, chairs, toys and other beach gear – to be removed from the beach by an hour after sunset each day. Items not removed will be collected and disposed of or recycled as appropriate. By upholding the rules of Leave Only Footprints, you are helping to keep our beaches clean today and for the future.
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