TARONGA & ROYAL CARIBBEAN TEAM UP TO SAVE OUR OCEANS

Taronga Zoo and Royal Caribbean International have joined forces on the Litter Free Oceans campaign to raise awareness about the impact rubbish has on marine life and how to reduce single use plastic. Taronga Conservation Society Australia has seen the impact of plastic pollution on marine animals first-hand, with more than 350 marine turtles admitted to its Wildlife Hospital since 1984, many with illnesses related to ingesting plastic. By using the Litter Free Oceans impact calculator, Australians can understand the impact of their habits. The companies have offered four reminders to help Aussies reduce their use of single use plastic. They include saying no to plastic straws, picking up litter as a “treasure hunt”, banning helium balloons (which are deadly to marine life) at parties, and packing “naked picnics” free from plastic wrapping, and using reusable containers or beeswax wraps as an alternative to cling wrap. Royal Caribbean International was a natural fit for the campaign, as the global cruise line is recognised as a leader in sustainability within the cruise industry for its “Save the Waves” ocean conservation program. Its commitment extends to ship innovation, with two technologically advanced smartships – Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas – sailing from Brisbane and Sydney, respectively, in summer 2021/22. The Royal fleet is equipped to be landfillfree and, whenever possible, the waste on ships is reused, recycled or converted into energy. For more information and to meet Andrew, the tiny turtle with a big story, visit the campaign website. taronga.org.au/litter-free-oceans