I always find the title of an article the hardest part to write. It sets the tone for the rest of the blog. But, this one threw itself at me. Because it won’t be long until learning to surf in the white water will be learning to surf in dark, plastic polluted water.
The Last Straw.
We have all, unfortunately, seen that terrible video of a fellow waterman trying to yank a plastic straw from a turtles nostril using a pair of pliers. Although, a grim clip to watch, it’ll definitely pull on the heartstrings knowing that Man is responsible for putting this little guy through such horrific experience.
The truth may set you free… but first it’s going to piss you off!
Here’s a scary fact: Americans use 500 million drinking straws every day. To understand just how many straws 500 million really is, this would fill over 125 school buses with straws EVERY DAY. That’s 46,400 school buses every year! Americans use these disposable utensils at an average rate of 1.6 straws per person per day. Imagine that on a global scale, even scarier.
There is no doubt, millions of blogs, videos and articles out there really trying to highlight the fact we are most certainly contributing to the early demise of our planet’s oceans with the use of plastic.
Please sir, can I have some change?
My aim is not to highlight the negative situation we find ourselves but rather to illustrate how powerful we are as a collective to stop and reverse the mess we have made in the ocean and the world. I get we’re only humans and it’s ingrained in our DNA to make mistakes, be forgetful, selfish and clumsy. But we possess a power like no other species on the planet, the ability to change. To quote the late president of South Africa Nelson Mandela – “ We can change the world and make it a better place, it’s in your hands to make a difference.” Those last 3 words are key. Make a difference!
Who wants to be a millionaire?
We live in an age where wanting to be an artist, rock star, movie star or even a shooting star is awesome. (Believe me, I want to be all of the above) for what? Who knows? Perhaps, money and fame? What’s the use of fame and fortune if we don’t have an Earth to enjoy it on? So imagine being eighty years old wrinkled up prune and sitting on the beach with your grandchildren one day, telling them the story of how the planet came together to rid the ocean of plastic? We were the defining age of change. I choose that over money and fame any day.
Achievable in one easy step
USE YOUR BRAIN! If you’re able to read this, you’re able to think before you use a straw, a plastic shopping bag once off or buy a plastic water bottle.
It’s not that hard! But lucky for you, I have put some crazy South African wizardry into these words and without you even knowing I’ve tweaked your subconscious and you’ll be using less plastic. You’re welcome! 😉
Nothing like a challenge
So here is our challenge(s) for you… Next time you’re down on the beach, grab a carrier bag( Hopefully not one that was lying around) and fill the bag with rubbish that’s lying around. Secondly, when you purchase anything, check how much plastic is used to produce the product. I’m not saying go cold turkey on plastic, I don’t think we’re there yet. But thinking about it is a start.
If you’re as passionate about changing the pollution in our oceans as we are. Check out these great organisations who are bravely fighting for our marine conservation.
The Plastic Project
Supertubes Foundation
Surfers Against Sewage
Below is the video I spoke about in the beginning of the blog. Hopefully the next time you grab an ice cold drink from your favourite restaurant you decline their offer of a straw.