Reduce Plastic Pollution
Each year, at least 8 million tons of plastics leak into the ocean. That's the equivalent of emptying a garbage truck into the ocean every minute.
UPDATE: Congratulations Team "Plastic Free Zoo New England!"
This July, ZNE joined forces with 78 other zoos and aquariums throughout North America to participate in Plastic-Free July, challenging staff to break free from plastic! Our team of 100 staff finished in 12th place, putting us in the top 15 percent! Check out full results here. Teams were challenged to make lifestyle changes —from reusable (and stylish) shopping bags and water bottles, to bamboo utensils, silicone storage bags and beyond. We hope that these small, daily changes extend past July and into our everyday lifestyles to make a larger, lifelong impact on the lives of animals and the ocean. |
Imagine how this affects habitats, ecosystems and marine biodiversity. Unless we make changes, it's estimated that by the year 2050, 99% of seabirds will have ingested plastic, and plastic in our oceans may outweigh the fish that call them home. Let's change the future. Together, let's take action to reduce our reliance upon plastics.
So what can we do?
- Take the #CleanSeas pledge to learn more about everyday decisions that can turn the tide of plastic pollution.
- Take part in the yearly International Coastal Cleanup in your area.
- Download the Clean Swell app and document the trash you collect around the clock or start your own cleanup at a beach near you.
- Join The Plastic Tide Citizen Science Project: Using your computer, tag plastics and litter in the images TPT takes with their drone. You will be directly teaching their computer program to autodetect, measure and monitor plastics.
- View PlasticOceans' educator's guide for activities, resources and creative solutions to our plastic problem.
- Join the ReThink Disposable movement to prevent waste before it starts.
- 7 easy things you can do:
