Turning the Tide: How WSL Is Reducing Plastic Pollution

The use of plastics is widespread and while recycling helps, most plastic still ends up outside of the recycling system. This plastic pollution harms our beaches, wildlife, and even impacts human health through the water we swim in and the seafood we consume. Recognizing the urgent need to address this issue, the WSL has committed to reducing single-use plastics from its Championship Tour and Big Wave events.

Focusing on high-impact items like bottled beverages, cutlery, and cups-many of which are difficult to recycle- WSL is making significant changes to reduce plastic waste. To support this initiative, clean drinking water stations are provided at events to encourage fans to refill reusable bottles, and compostable materials are being used wherever possible for food service.

Passionate volunteers come together after a rewarding beach cleanup with WSL One Ocean partner Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, showcasing the strength of community action in safeguarding our ocean. - WSL / Jesse Jennings

Some facts that propelled the WSL to eliminate single-serve plastics:

• Plastics break down into small microparticles that are ingested by marine life, ultimately entering the food we eat and water we drink. (Van Sebille, E., et al (2015). A global inventory of small floating plastic debris.)
• 4 to 10 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year. (Angus Chen, Science Magazine. Here's how much plastic enters the ocean each year, February 2015.)
• A third of all fish caught in the UK and 83% of drinking water samples from around the world are contaminated with microplastic. (Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, Scientific American. We Need to Kick our Addiction to Plastic, October 2017.)

We can work together to find solutions to the plastic crisis to keep our favorite breaks clean and healthy - WSL / Ed Sloane

While our partners help find solutions from the top down in the form of policy regulation and advocacy, we can all make daily decisions to reduce our consumption and make smarter choices on an individual level. Below are a few ideas for inspiration:

• Bringing your reusable bag, cutlery, and water bottle
• Avoiding items wrapped in plastic when possible
• Choosing bar soaps in place of liquids in plastic containers
• Voting to support policies like single-use plastic bans

At the rate we're going, by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. It's a deep problem, but there are solutions. By cutting out single use plastics, such as straws, bottles, and bags, we can start turning back the plastic tide.

Together, we can make a difference! Dedicated volunteers celebrate a successful beach cleanup, demonstrating the power of community in protecting our ocean and preserving our beautiful coastlines. - WSL / Tommy Pierucki

Make a greater impact. Join us and support our partners below for a stronger ocean:

• 5 Gyres Institute - https://www.5gyres.org/
• Bye Bye Plastic Bags - http://www.byebyeplasticbags.org/
• Lonely Whale - https://www.lonelywhale.org/
• Sungai Watch - https://sungai.watch/
• Surfers Against Sewage - https://www.sas.org.uk/
• Surfrider Foundation - https://www.surfrider.org/
• Sustainable Coastlines HI - http://sustainablecoastlineshawaii.org/
• Take 3 For The Sea - https://www.take3.org/
• WILDCOAST - https://wildcoast.org/

Hundreds of thousands of sea turtles and other marine animals are threatened each year from plastic pollution. - WSL / Ed Sloane