While cleanups like Tidy Up The Tides make a difference, real change starts with everyday choices. As individuals, we have the power to reduce plastic waste in simple yet effective ways. Here’s how you can help:

1. Say No to Single-Use Plastics

Avoid plastic bags, straws, and utensils by bringing reusable alternatives. According to a study published in Science Advances, over 8 million tons of plastic waste enter our oceans yearly, much of it from single-use plastics (Geyer et al., 2017).

2. Choose Sustainable Packaging

Opt for products with minimal or biodegradable packaging. Brands and retailers are beginning to shift toward eco-friendly alternatives, but consumer demand plays a crucial role in this transition (National Geographic, 2019).

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

Improper waste disposal leads to pollution. Always segregate recyclables and dispose of waste in designated bins. Research from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2020) estimates that only 9% of plastic waste ever produced has been recycled.

4. Support Businesses with Eco-Friendly Practices

From local markets to major brands, companies are responding to the demand for sustainability. Supporting businesses that use recyclable or compostable materials helps drive industry-wide change (World Economic Forum, 2022).

5. Participate in Cleanup Efforts

Volunteering for coastal cleanups like Tidy Up The Tides helps directly remove plastic waste from the environment. A report from Ocean Conservancy (2021) highlights that global cleanups have removed millions of pounds of plastic from waterways.

Every effort counts. By making mindful choices and spreading awareness, we can collectively reduce plastic pollution and create a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations.|

🌎 Be part of the solution!

👉 Volunteer for our next cleanup: bit.ly/tidyupvolunteer

💚 Support the cause as a sponsor: bit.ly/tidyupthetidesinquiry

#TidyUpTheTides #CoastalCleanup #BeatPlasticPollution #ProtectOurOceans #SustainableLiving #ZeroWaste #SaveOurSeas

Sources:

• Geyer, R., Jambeck, J. R., & Law, K. L. (2017). Science Advances, “Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made.”

• National Geographic (2019). “Plastic pollution and the global shift towards sustainability.”

• Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2020). “The Circular Economy and Plastic Waste.”

• World Economic Forum (2022). “The Business Case for Sustainable Packaging.”

Ocean Conservancy (2021). “International Coastal Cleanup Report.”