SEA SHEPHERD

Sea Shepherd is a non-profit conservation organisation whose mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of our delicately balanced oceanic ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations.

In Australia in 2016, we started a nationwide campaign to clean up Australia’s waterways and beaches, empowering people to realise that every piece counts.

Since then, passionate ocean-loving volunteers have removed over 7 million pieces of trash from polluting our ocean.

Annually, the world generates an alarming excess of 300 million tons of plastic waste, a figure that continues to climb. Shockingly, only a meager 9% of all plastic waste ever produced undergoes recycling, with the bulk being either incinerated or carelessly discarded, predominantly ending up in landfills. This predicament is significantly compounded by the fact that half of the plastic we manufacture is designed for single-use purposes, such as straws, plastic bags, and disposable water bottles.

To combat this pressing issue, we have joined forces with Sea Shepherd in a concerted effort to combat marine pollution and enhance the well-being of our oceans, marine life, and our planet at large. For each Allegra Bottle, Olive Cup, and Windsor Tea Infuser sold, we pledge to donate 50 cents to the Ocean Crusaders, supporting their noble quest to cleanse our waterways and put an end to the pervasive usage of single-use plastics.

THE PROBLEM

Plastics pose an imminent and grave threat to our oceans today. An astonishing 33 billion pounds of plastic are recklessly dumped into our oceans each year, equating to roughly two fully-loaded garbage trucks being emptied into the ocean every single minute. With the ceaseless influx of plastics into our oceans, the roster of marine species adversely impacted by this debris continues to grow.

Common everyday objects that find their way into the ocean can turn into lethal hazards for innocent marine animals: a simple frisbee transforms into a death trap for sea lions, discarded fishing lines can sever the limbs of birds, and abandoned nets and ropes ensnare and drown dolphins, whales, and turtles.

The production of plastic and its accompanying pollution has given rise to a severe environmental crisis. Without prompt action, it is anticipated that by 2050, the quantity of plastic in our oceans will surpass the total fish population.

An alarming 50% of all plastic output consists of single-use items, designed with a paltry average lifespan of just 12 minutes. Astonishingly, every fragment of plastic generated in the last seven decades still lingers on our planet. Shockingly, out of the staggering 380+ million tonnes of plastic produced annually worldwide, only approximately 9% undergoes recycling. Plastic does not biodegrade; rather, it disintegrates into increasingly minuscule particles, rendering it invisible to the naked eye.

A conservative estimate points to the heartbreaking toll of 100,000 marine mammals and 1 million seabirds succumbing yearly to the repercussions of oceanic plastic. Nearly 700 species, including those on the brink of extinction, have felt the adverse effects of plastics. Most of these casualties are a result of entanglement or starvation, with seals, whales, turtles, and other animals falling prey to abandoned fishing gear or discarded six-pack rings. Furthermore, microplastics have infiltrated over 100 aquatic species, including fish, shrimp, and mussels that eventually end up on our dinner plates.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals or Global Goals are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all”. The SDGs were set up in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and are intended to be achieved by 2030.

By supporting Sea Shepherd and helping to improve the health of our oceans, we are helping the world work towards SDG 14.

GOAL 14: LIFE BELOW WATER

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

Target 14.1 - By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.

Please click here to view Goal 14 infograhic,
source: https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal14 

For more information on SDG Goals 14: Life Below Water check out the UN website,
source: https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2021/goal-14/ 

Together, we can work towards ending plastic pollution, one small step at a time.

References

Bryce, E. and Hart, M., 2020. How does plastic pollution affect the ocean? | China Dialogue Ocean. [online] China Dialogue Ocean. Available at: <https://chinadialogueocean.net/en/pollution/14200-how-does-plastic-pollution-affect-the-ocean/> [Accessed 19 July 2022].
National Geographic. 2022. Plastic pollution facts and information. [online] Available at: <https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/plastic-pollution> [Accessed 19 July 2022].
Oceana. 2022. Plastic Pollution. [online] Available at: <https://usa.oceana.org/our-campaigns/plastic/> [Accessed 19 July 2022].
United Nations. 2022. THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development. [online] Available at: <https://sdgs.un.org/goals> [Accessed 19 July 2022].