When it comes to leading an environmentally conscious life, it’s safe to say that many of us are stepping up our green game. From ditching plastic coffee cups for trendy reusable mugs to shopping locally at farmer’s markets and rocking sustainable fashion, every small change makes a difference in the fight against climate change. But what about getting out into the community, getting your hands dirty and making impactful green change? Sounds too wild? Stick with us.
Sparkling azure waters, pristine stretches of white sand beaches and cloudless sunny skies—this might be the typical image we conjure up of Australian beaches, but sadly, this is not always the reality. The not-so-picture-perfect view of beaches cluttered with litter isn’t one you’ll find displayed as your laptop screensaver but it is a burgeoning reality we need to face.
In 2021, it’s more important than ever that we work together to live more sustainably—COVID-19 has resulted in drastic increases of masks and disposable waste clogging our waterways, coastlines and oceans. By 2050, there’s set to be more plastic in the oceans than fish and right now, one garbage truck of rubbish enters the ocean every minute. These stats might seem overwhelming but before we go all doom and gloom on you, there’s plenty of inspiring organisations which are choosing to take action and be part of the solution (not the pollution).
National Day of Action is Sunday 11 April and to celebrate, Conservation Volunteers Australia will be hosting nationwide #SeaToSource clean up events, as communities come together to clean up their act—and clean up Australia's beaches. #SeaToSource is a national project backed by the Australian Government that tackles ocean litter in our seas, through community action and education.
National Day of Action is the biggest ocean cleanup day of the year and with the help of passionate volunteers, #SeaToSource is determined to break their beach cleanup records this year.
“For us, it’s not just about cleaning up litter on the beach, it’s about addressing the source of the litter and protecting the wildlife in the ocean. It is also about empowering communities to feel connected through a love of the world around them and feeling inspired to make small daily actions to protect it,” explains Renae Riveire, campaign director at Conservation Volunteers Australia
You don’t need to a next-level eco-warrior to make powerful change—if you’re looking for something a little different and rewarding to do this weekend, round up your pals and up your green game at one of the national #SeaToSource events.
Where To Tackle Ocean Litter This National Day Of Action
All #SeaToSource beach cleanup events will be held on 11 April 2021; times differ by location.
VICTORIA
Werribee South Beach Melbourne; 1pm
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Leighton Beach, Perth; 8:30am
TASMANIA
Seven Mile Beach, Hobart; 10am
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Blue Gum, Kurangga Park, Adelaide; 11am and 2pm
QUEENSLAND
Harbour Beach, Mackay; 8:30am
Whale Park, Wynnum; 8:30am and 11:30am
NEW SOUTH WALES
Plane Spotting Beach, Mascot; 10am and 1pm
For more information, click here.
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Image Credit: Tyler Nix