How To Start

The best way to start is by learning more about what has been happening to the oceans and what can be done to make things better. Reading articles or joining local clubs or groups focusing on these issues are two great ways to learn more.

Participating in beach cleanups is fun, a way to meet caring people, and a way to clear the beaches of potential pollutants. Living a mindful lifestyle can also hugely beneficial to the health of the oceans by helping prevent or at least slow down the use of plastics in our daily lives.

Finally, reaching out to local schools, cities, and states can also be a way to build greater awareness of the challenges facing our oceans and prompting leaders to do something about this.

Learn more and read more
Join school or community clubs and organizations
Participate in beach cleanups
Engage city and community leaders to do more to help with these threats and challenges
Live a mindful lifestyle with respect to the use of plastics and other possible pollutants

IN THE NEWS

The world is creating more single-use plastic waste than ever, report finds
The world is producing a record amount of single-use plastic waste, mostly made from polymers created from fossil fuels, despite global efforts to reduce plastic pollution and carbon emissions, according to a new report released Monday.

Read in CNN Business: https://apple.news/AKC3w3yCQQZCmtPk943VM4A

California’s sweeping new plastics law could be a game changer
It will take several years to find out for sure, but the world’s fifth largest economy will likely force changes far beyond the state’s borders.

Read in National Geographic: https://apple.news/AoqHwMz-GTOGiUtd3EKipIg

How ocean pollution crisis is destroying marine environments – and what you can do to help
There are many environmental problems we deal with today. However, one of the biggest problems is our ocean pollution crisis. According to www.condorferries.co.uk, 25 trillion macro plastics and 51 trillion micro plastics make up our oceans today.

Read full artcile in Niagara Frontier Publications

Pacific Life Foundation to Invest $2.5 Million to Improve Ocean Health.
The Nature Conservancy, Ocean Conservancy, Oceana, and World Wildlife Fund to Receive Funding Over Five-Year Period to Enhance Marine Conservation Efforts, Further Sustainability Education, and Restore Ocean Abundance

Read full article in Business Wire

How Do We Clean Up All That Ocean Plastic?
There are currently 75 to 199 million tons of plastic polluting our oceans, according to the World Economic Forum. This is a result of humans recycling only nine percent of plastic waste and dumping 10 million tons of it into the seas each year.

Read full article in State of the Planet

Newsom signs pivotal plastics bill into California law
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed into law on Thursday a landmark bill that will significantly reduce single-use plastic packaging and utensils in the state over the next decade.

Read in The Hill: https://apple.news/A3jPS3bH4Th-oVWKw0WPeyw

Beach cleanup goes high-tech
Plastic-munching robots, floating drones and other “smart” contraptions are starting to ply beaches and waterways, systematically removing dangerous debris left by summertime revelers.

Read in Axios: https://apple.news/ANk8tTyfnR5q2_Ovt5RGMxQ

JOIN

Most high schools in Los Angeles County, whether public or private, have clubs or organizations that students can participate in. Many of these schools already have clubs for environment-friendly awareness and action, but if your school does not have one you can reach out to your principal or guidance counselor to find out how to create one.

Participate

Engage Cities

As we are learning, not every city is engaged in the process of taking steps to help keep our beaches and oceans clean and safe. There may be many reasons for this, but we are working on a letter writing campaign to reach out to all of them to encourage them to do more with respect to influencing the use of plastics by residents and visitors; reducing their carbon footprint; and, if applicable, helping prevent trash accumulating in storm drains. Below are links to the websites of all of the incorporated cities in Los Angeles County. A good starting point may be contacting the City Managers or members of the City Council for your city:

A good starting point would be to write a letter to the appropriate city staff member or even city council member. Here is a link to a draft letter that can be edited for your particular city contact.

Saving the beaches and oceans starts with all of us.
Here are some ways to live a more mindful lifestyle:

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Utilize other modes of transportation when possible: biking, walking, or public transportation
Reduce single-use plastics. Consider getting a reusable bag, use water bottles, opt for reusable utensils.
Recycle properly.

Participate (or organize!) a beach cleanup.
Spread the word, stay informed.
Eat at home often.
Purchase secondhand.
Vote on ocean issues.
Leave no trash behind

Saving the beaches and oceans start with us.
“The man who moves a mountain begins by carring away small stones.”
– Confucious, Chinese Philosopher

Work with Us

Want us to come to you? We offer free detailed lectures to learn more about the challenges facing our ocean.