HOW TO HELP

What can you do? There’s a long list of options – far too many to include here. Visit our website for a comprehensive list of practical ideas. Here, though, are a few we think will make a big difference.

Picking up plastic on a beach is easy. In fact, I’ve come to believe the sea is doing us a favour by throwing the plastic back at us. It’s trying to clean itself – and giving us a chance to reclaim the rubbish. We’re given another chance at disposing of it in a sustainable manner. If you don’t already, next time you go for a beach walk take a small bag with you. Most of the trash we pick up is actually very clean. Make it a habit.

Don’t buy products that contain microbeads. Many face washes, toothpaste, shampoos, shower gels do, and there are natural alternatives. Download an app to scan the products as you buy them. Check the contents – if it has polyethylene, polypropylene or polystyrene in it, it has microbeads.

Recycling is an obvious one but unfortunately many areas don’t have a recycling facility – especially for areas used by the general public. Put pressure on local authorities to make positive steps in this area.

Although we remain optimistic about the health of our oceans, we’ve been surprised by the amount of plastic we have found on our travels, despite the valued efforts of local individuals and organised groups doing great work in their own areas.

We believe that if we all make a small effort we can all make a big difference. P.S If you find plastic pegs on any beaches please let us know by email the numbers and locations.