Surfrider Fights Plastic Pollution

 

Protecting Oceans and Beaches

 

Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

The Surfrider Foundation has been working to protect the world's oceans and beaches from plastics and other pollution since it was founded in Malibu in 1984.

 

When plastic ends up in the ocean it is particularly dangerous to the environment because it doesn't decompose and virtually lasts forever, injuring marine life and damaging habitat. An estimated 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year. 

 

Microplastics, the smallest plastics (less than 2/10 of an inch) are almost impossible to remove from the ocean and often get ingested by sea animals and later by humans who eat the seafood when it enters the food chain.

 

To turn the tide on plastic pollution, Surfrider's worldwide network organizes beach cleanups, educates the public about the harm plastics can do, and gets legislation passed to eliminate single-use plastic containers, bags, and straws.

 

Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Restaurants program is also helping to keep plastic off the beach by getting restaurants to use plastic-free utensils and take-out containers.    

Surfrider's Plastic Pollution Manager, Rachael Coccia, says, "Each and every one of us has a part to play that will make a difference in the plastic pollution crisis. The less plastic we consume, the less plastic there is to hurt people, animals and our world."

 

Before we buy or use something, we should ask ourselves: "Do I actually need this?" "Is there a better alternative?"  suggests Coccia. "Instead of having more things, let's find happiness in life's many experiences – like walking on the beach at sunset with someone we love – not in our stuff!"  

 

SurfWriter Girls

Surf’n Beach Scene Magazine

Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.

                                                                                                                                        

News Blooms in Japan's Green Newspaper

 

On Earth Day 2022 Read All About It!

 

Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

Remember the childhood riddle: "What's black and white and red all over? A newspaper."

For Earth Day 2022 (April 22nd), SurfWriter Girls have an eco-version of the riddle: "What's black and white and green all over?" 

The answer is Japan's largest daily newspaper, the Mainichi Shimbun, called the "Green Newspaper'' because it's not only recyclable, but regenerative.

Printed on biodegradable paper with plant-based ink, it's embedded with seeds that sprout into flowers or herbs when you shred the newspaper and plant and water the pieces. 

 

Founded in 1872, the Mainichi Shimbun, Japan's oldest daily newspaper with one of the largest circulations, launched its "Green Newspaper" on May 4, 2016, to demonstrate the publisher's commitment to sustainability and the environment. 

 

An instant hit with readers and environmentalists alike, the newspaper "that gives back to the planet" is proof that a 150-year-old company can lead the way in innovation. 

 

And, for Earth Day, SurfWriter Girls can't think of a better publishing strategy – all the news that's fit to plant.  

 

SurfWriter Girls

Surf’n Beach Scene Magazine

Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.