Protecting the World's Oceans in 2021
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
When the going gets tough, the tough get going, which is what the nonprofit Surfrider Foundation is doing as it enters 2021 – fighting to protect the world's oceans, waves and beaches and save our planet from environmental pollution.
A look at the stats shows what Surfrider is accomplishing:
176 worldwide chapters and student clubs cleaning beaches and serving communities.
689 victories against ocean pollution and destruction of beaches and beach access.
600 Ocean Friendly Restaurants using sustainable practices that protect sea life and the ocean.
With Surfrider's large global network of people donating close to 200,000 volunteer hours in a year, it can make a big difference in safeguarding the environment.
One of those volunteers, Surfrider Huntington/Seal Beach member Tony Soriano, was out early on New Year’s Eve doing a solo beach cleanup.
Noting the beauty of California’s snow-capped mountains in the background of this trash-strewn beach, Soriano says it’s important to draw attention to “man’s neglect of our planet.”
Even though 2020 was a difficult year, the Surfrider Foundation is continuing to carry out its mission of reducing pollution, reversing climate change, and preserving the beach and oceans for all to enjoy.
Talking about the future, Surfrider CEO Dr. Chad Nelsen says, "I am a perpetual optimist despite the challenges we face." He emphasizes that "the issues Surfrider fights for – clean water, ocean health, coastal access – are not partisan issues, but priorities that should be embraced by all interests."
Not just in the USA, but around the world
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