More than 100 million tons of plastic waste pollute the oceans today. The waste covers an area as large as central Europe. At least 10 million tonnes of plastic waste are discharged into the oceans every year. Every single one of us can help to counteract the pollution by some simple, everyday measures.
Ocean Pollution
Imagine an area the size of central Europe, consisting exclusively of waste. This dimension corresponds to the amount of waste that we have "disposed of" in the seas to this day. The big problem - most garbage is made of plastic and plastic is extremely durable. It can take 500 years to decompose completely. To protect our seas and oceans, we must all help. Even small things can make a huge difference. We have compiled ten simple tips for you, following these helps you make a significant contribution to sustainable watersports.
1. Sunscreens
Be careful which sunscreen you use. Most creams contain chemicals that cause a virus in algae and corals, causing them to fade and die. These components in sunscreens should be avoided: oxybenzone, butyl paraben, octinoxate and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor.
2. Avoid Microfibre Fabrics
A single garment releases up to 700,000 fibres in a single wash. Especially microfiber garments are severely affected. Polyester offers an alternative. Less water is needed in the production process than for cotton, and no toxic pesticides are needed to grow them.
3. Quality Instead of Quantity
Focus on sustainability, quality, repairability and longevity when purchasing products. The proverb "cheap buys twice" is no coincidence. You can also look for second-hand articles. There are also many swap websites for various watersports activities.
4. Avoid Plastic Waste
Take a collecting net with you on your next dive and make a big contribution to the cleaning of the seas. Avoid leaving garbage on the beach and collect garbage even if you haven't taken it out yourself. Always use glass bottles instead of plastic bottles. Even such small actions help to keep the oceans cleaner.
5. Use LED Lights
If you are on a sailing trip or about to get your yacht ready for sailing season, consider switching to LED lamps instead of using light bulbs. They consume 90% less electrical power for the same amount of light, they last 50 times longer and contain no toxins. They are therefore a real and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional light bulbs, which are still available on the market.
6. Repair instead of buying new
New, mass-produced devices are often so cheap nowadays that we are tempted to dispose of old devices that are still functional or repairable. Most of the time, however, the old equipment can be repaired with a little effort. This avoids unnecessary waste. Avoided waste cannot end up in the sea!
7. Buy Recycled Products
Many companies are now working with recycled plastic waste. There are many products available made from marine waste - everything from shoes and sportswear to swimwear. Set an example in real style!
8. Ocean Protection Organizations
Nowadays, there are many charities involved in saving our seas. Think about whether you want to be part of the movement. Get informed thoroughly to find the right organisation for you. Often it is enough to buy a T-shirt or a bracelet for only little money to lend your support.
9. Have you tested LongeCôte already?
Longe Côte is a watersport activity from France. You don't have to travel, you can practise it on the North Sea or Baltic Sea, which of course benefits the environment. One wanders fast and at a steady pace in chest high water using paddles. Give it a try!
10. Stay Involved!
At least once a year almost everyone wants to go to the sea. Under the crest of the waves, there is a world larger than ours on land. There's so much to discover. Read books, watch films - keeping your interest going is important. It ensures that you are committed not just once, but for a lifetime and pass your fascination on!
1. Sunscreens
Be careful which sunscreen you use. Most creams contain chemicals that cause a virus in algae and corals, causing them to fade and die. These components in sunscreens should be avoided: oxybenzone, butyl paraben, octinoxate and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor.
2. Avoid Microfibre Fabrics
A single garment releases up to 700,000 fibres in a single wash. Especially microfiber garments are severely affected. Polyester offers an alternative. Less water is needed in the production process than for cotton, and no toxic pesticides are needed to grow them.
3. Quality Instead of Quantity
Focus on sustainability, quality, repairability and longevity when purchasing products. The proverb "cheap buys twice" is no coincidence. You can also look for second-hand articles. There are also many swap websites for various watersports activities.
4. Avoid Plastic Waste
Take a collecting net with you on your next dive and make a big contribution to the cleaning of the seas. Avoid leaving garbage on the beach and collect garbage even if you haven't taken it out yourself. Always use glass bottles instead of plastic bottles. Even such small actions help to keep the oceans cleaner.
5. Use LED Lights
If you are on a sailing trip or about to get your yacht ready for sailing season, consider switching to LED lamps instead of using light bulbs. They consume 90% less electrical power for the same amount of light, they last 50 times longer and contain no toxins.
6. Repair instead of buying new
New, mass-produced devices are often so cheap nowadays that we are tempted to dispose of old devices that are still functional or repairable. Most of the time, however, the old equipment can be repaired with a little effort. This avoids unnecessary waste. Avoided waste cannot end up in the sea!
7. Buy Recycled Products
Many companies are now working with recycled plastic waste. There are many products available made from marine waste - everything from shoes and sportswear to swimwear. Set an example in real style!
8. Ocean Protection Organizations
Nowadays, there are many charities involved in saving our seas. Think about whether you want to be part of the movement. Get informed thoroughly to find the right organisation for you. Often it is enough to buy a T-shirt or a bracelet for only little money to lend your support.
9. Have you tested LongeCôte already?
Longe Côte ist eine neue Wassersportart aus Frankreich. Man muss dafür nicht verreisen, sondern kann es an der Nord- und Ostsee betreiben, was der Umwelt natürlich zu Gute kommt. Man wandert schnellen und stabilen Schrittes im brusthohen Wasser und benutzt dabei Paddel. Probieren Sie es aus!
10. Stay Involved!
At least once a year almost everyone wants to go to the sea. Under the crest of the waves, there is a world larger than ours on land. There's so much to discover. Read books, watch films - keeping your interest going is important. It ensures that you are committed not just once, but for a lifetime and pass your fascination on!