Some of our most treasured memories are made at the beach. The sun, the sand, and the soothing ocean waves can bring us so much peace and joy. Yet, it's crucial to remember that our beautiful beaches need some love too. Sadly, pollution and litter continue to spoil this natural paradise for both us and the marine life that call it home.
Ocean pollution has profound and multifaceted consequences, impacting various aspects including the environment, marine wildlife, and human well-being. Conservation International has shared some alarming facts on ocean pollution -
- More Plastic Than Fish. Up to 12 million metric tons - That’s how much plastic is dumped into the oceans each year. That’s about 26 billion pounds — or the equivalent of more than 100,000 blue whales — every single year. By 2050, ocean plastic will outweigh all of the ocean’s fish.
- 5 Garbage Patches. There’s so much junk at sea, the debris has formed giant garbage patches. There are five of them around the world, and the largest — the Great Pacific Garbage Patch — includes an estimated 1.8 trillion pieces of trash and covers an area twice the size of Texas.
- Plastic Poses Another Danger. Ocean plastic can be broken into smaller pieces — known as microplastics — by sun exposure and wave action, after which it can find its way into the food chain. When it eventually degrades (which can take hundreds of years in the case of a plastic bottle), the process releases chemicals that further contaminate the sea.
The good news is that each of us can make a meaningful difference in keeping our beaches clean. At Sattaché, our team is passionate about preserving the beauty of our shores. That's why we've taken the proactive steps to lead beach clean-up efforts through our Clean Beach Initiative. With a shared commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable planet, we're rolling up our sleeves to remove litter and debris at our local beaches. Join us in this mission and let's work together for cleaner, more beautiful coastlines. Scroll on to learn what you can do to help keep our sands and oceans sparkling clean.
Bring a Bag Whenever you head to the beach, bring along a reusable bag. This bag will be your trusty companion for collecting trash. It's a simple but effective way to make sure you have a dedicated space for beach cleanup.
Another reliable companion? Consider taking along the Sattaché Classic Bag on your beach trips as well. Our PETA-Approved, vegan, and eco-friendly shoe bag not only safeguards and carries your additional change of shoes but also eliminates the need for disposable plastic bags, often seen littering our beautiful beaches. Crafted using recycled ocean waste, including discarded plastic bottles and fishing nets, The Classic Bag helps you stay organized, fashionable, and hassle-free.
Pick Up Litter While enjoying the sand and surf, keep an eye out for litter and debris. When you spot trash, take a moment to pick it up and place it in your dedicated bag. This small act can make a big difference in keeping the beach clean!
Dispose of Trash Properly Ensure that the trash you've collected makes its way to the right bin. Most beaches have designated receptacles for recycling and trash. Be sure to use them to dispose of your collected waste properly.
Join a Cleanup Crew Consider participating in or organizing a beach cleanup event. These gatherings are fantastic opportunities to connect with others who care about the environment and make a collective impact in cleaning up our beaches.
Spread the Word Share your beach cleanup experiences on social media to inspire others, and talk to your friends and family about it (you can even turn it into a fun and educational family-planned activity!) When people see you making a positive impact, they are more likely to do the same. The more people who understand the importance of keeping our beaches clean, the better chance we have at preserving these beautiful natural spaces for the future.
By following these simple steps, you're not only helping to keep our shores cleaner but also fostering a sense of responsibility for our environment and promoting eco-consciousness, all while making a positive impact, one beach clean-up at a time. Happy beach cleaning!