Ocean Wise Wants You To Break Up With Plastic This Valentine’s Day

We get it, plastic promised it would always be there for you. But you didn’t think it meant literally!

Every year over 11 million tonnes of plastic are estimated to end up in our ocean, where it never truly biodegrades or breaks down. It can range from items like water bottles, fishing nets, clothing and cigarette butts, to micro and even nanoplastics that can only be seen under a microscope. All of these have complicated impacts on our ecosystems—and health.  

For the love of our ocean, let’s break up with plastics this Valentine’s Day and say goodbye to our single use habits for good! Here’s how, with help from Ocean Wise:

1. Take the Plastic Pledge! Our ocean is filling up with plastic and our ocean creatures can’t survive it—WE can’t survive it. The good news? Individuals and businesses are stepping up to make a difference. Take this pledge and join them in making sustainable choices. 
2. Check out some plastic tips from Ocean Wise. These are simple ways you can make a more sustainable change in your life. For specific Valentine’s Day tips, you can also consider
   1. Gift homemade cards rather than store bought ones (you know the ones with the plastic film!) 
   2. Put heart into making sweet treats instead of shopping for individually-wrapped candies. 
   3. Take that special someone to an Ocean Wise certified restaurant near you. 
   4. Gift an experience rather than buying another stuffed animal or plushie. 
3. Wash your laundry on cold and gentle! Our research has shown that by using these settings on your washing machine, you can reduce microfiber shed from your clothes by up to 70%! 
4. Keep learning about plastic. Our education resources make it easy to share with your friends and family. 
5. Support our work! Our programs are taking action to stop the flow of plastic pollution into the ocean, from source to shore. 

Learn more online now. —Vita Daily