Where do we even start with this subject? I'm not sure, but I know how it has to end. With 0 pollution!
This problem is getting old; as old as the oldest piece of plastic in the ocean. This issue has been going on for far too long. Why does it continue to reoccur over and over again? Why are we behaving like the plastic waste in the ocean? Unlike plastic, we are capable of change. Today's generation should know by now what pollution is and how to prevent it. It is the era of technology after all and researching information has never been easier.
Go ahead. Search the following three inquiries.
how to prevent pollution
the consequences of pollution
how polluted are the oceans
Typing those questions into a search bar should only take seconds. There are hundreds of sites that contain several answers to each inquiry. Now the real question is: once you've read this blog post and read the researched data, how will that information affect you? Be prepared to answer this question at the end of this.
It's the middle of summer and going to the beach is always a popular summer destination. Splashing around in a pool is fun, but going to the beach is an experience. The ocean smell, the salty breeze, the sound of waves, the marine life, and the epic sunrise/sundown. What else do you love about going to the beach? Close your eyes and envision it. I'm sure that your vision did not have any signs of pollution, correct?
Well, then I am sorry to grieve you with the following information. During the first 3/4 months of the pandemic, the planet was able to breathe again due to the global indoor isolation. Then a large percentage of the population started getting cabin fever and left the safety of their homes. The majority of people are taking precautions with masks and gloves, but others are completely selfish and ignorant of the current status.
But who would you say is more selfish and ignorant of the following two: the person who doesn't wear a mask or the person who litters their mask? I couldn't answer that question at all. Two negatives definitely do not equal a positive.
There is a portion of society that is littering their disposable medical masks and disposable plastic gloves. Ocean clean up organizations are finding a large amount of Covid19 protection items in our ocean. And of course, it's not just the ocean collecting our filth because people also like to hang out by lakes and rivers.
These photos were found on CNN.com in the article Conservationists warn Covid waste may result in 'more masks than jellyfish' in the sea By Francesca Giuliani-Hoffman. To read the full article, click the link: https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/24/us/plastic-pollution-ocean-covid-waste-trnd/index.html
If you are as disappointed and disgusted as I am in the human race right now, don't keep it to yourself. Tell us how this data makes you feel in the comments down below. It's okay to be flabbergasted and infuriated, but it's not okay for you to do nothing about it. Tell everyone how much you DON'T want to jump into a sea of plastic. Tell everyone how plastic and garbage affect our planet and the creatures in it.
Featured here is a turtle that thinks he's about to have a bite of Jellyfish. This photo was found on Greenbiz.com in the article How face masks, gloves and other coronavirus waste are polluting the ocean By Charlotte Edmond. Read full article here: https://www.greenbiz.com/article/how-face-masks-gloves-and-other-coronavirus-waste-are-polluting-ocean
Honestly, I could have added a lot more impactful photos, but I think you get the picture. Ladies and Gentlemen, the time to take action towards a cleaner planet is NOW. Set the example, spread the word, and take action when you see something wrong.
How can you set the example? It's easy!
Avoid disposable medical masks
There is no excuse to buy disposable medical masks when there are millions of reusable masks. You can buy them or make them yourself. There are plenty of tutorials [on Youtube] that show you how to make a medical mask. There are many masks for sale on Depop and Etsy. However, I'll encourage you to invest in a mask purchase that "gives back". I say invest because we minus well buy masks that we will enjoy wearing since we'll be wearing them for a few more months. These featured masks are from the brand Pura Vida (click photo for link to mask). 5% of a mask purchase will be donated to Direct Relief, a humanitarian aid organization that provides protective gear and essential medical items to health workers on the front lines responding to COVID-19. Now that's what I'm talking about!!! And guess what? There are plenty of other brands that are selling masks to donate towards a cause. Click on the link below to see a list of Masks that Give Back.
Avoid plastic gloves
Just like facial masks, there is no reason to buy disposable plastic gloves when there are so many reusable gloves everywhere. I have purchased a couple of dainty gloves on Depop, but Etsy and many other sites sell them too. You will even find gloves at a vintage shop. The pair featured here are from Etsy (click photo for link to gloves). They come in 5 different colors, have UV protection, and have a touchscreen fingertip. For a more cool look and for the winter months, check out these Vegan Leather gloves.
Avoid disposable plastic
Plastic bottles and bags are items to be frowned upon nowadays. Taking plastic to the beach should really be illegal. When taking items to the beach/river/lake/park, use a reusable bag, bottle, container, cutlery, everything. Just don't take disposable plastic of any kind. Looking for a beach bag to hold all your belongings? Check out the Ten Tree Beach Tote; they plant 10 trees for every item sold (they also sell masks & water bottles). Also visit FeedProjects.com for a variety of tote bags. You'll also need an insolated bag to keep food & drinks cool. Try out this sustainable insolated tote at LL Bean. At Zero Waste Store, you will find reusable sandwich bags, reusable trash bags, reusable water bottles, tote bags, bamboo utensil sets, and so much more. Featured here is the Ivory Ella Stainless Steel 17 oz tumbler that keeps water cold for 24 hours (click photo for link). This brand donates 10% of their profits to Save the Elephants.
Use Reef Safe Sunscreen
In my previous post Summer Skincare II, there is a lot of information regarding this topic. However, I couldn't leave it out of this post because using the wrong sunscreen will send thousands of harmful chemicals throughout our oceans. These chemicals cause all sorts of harmful results, but it really affects the coral reefs as the chemicals bleach and kill the coral. This is a form of pollution. Please help keep the coral reefs safe. Use brands that are certified reef safe such as Babo Botanicals.
Don't ignore littered items
Don't leave your trash or other random trash behind. Even if it's not your trash, this is your planet. If you just walk by a littered item and ignore it, you're not doing the planet any justice. If you spot someone polluting, stop them and politely educate them as to why they should not pollute. If they don't appear to care for the matter, then volunteer to throw out their garbage for them. It's important to prevent any negative instigation/confrontation and just get the job done. If you want to help even further, find out about a local beach clean up organization/group that volunteers to keep the beach clean. Additionally, when you make a purchase from 4Ocean you are helping the cause. Their bracelets are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic and glass bottles. They also donate 1% of their revenue to nonprofit environmental conservation organizations. Wearing their bracelets definitely make a green statement.
Spread the word, educate, and be the example! Covid19 is still lurking around us and taking protective measures is necessary. Use reusable masks, reusable gloves, and keep your distance from others. Though some beaches and public areas have opened up again, it is important to stay safe. As for the planet, let's not be a virus to it. It's the only planet we've got. We need to be better than what we have been all these years. Let's be the generation that maintains a healthy planet. Spread the word, share this post, communicate what you have learned, support clean up groups, and remember that we want to lounge on pristine beaches and swim in plastic free oceans.
Have a lovely, memorable, safe, and clean summer my dears.
XoXo,
Mrs. Ladybug
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