Seas & Straws

Thanksgiving is here—a time for family, gratitude, and amazing food. Why not make it a greener celebration this year? Our blog is packed with tips for hosting a sustainable Thanksgiving—from eco-friendly decor to waste-reducing dining ideas. ✔️ Decorate with dried leaves, pinecones, or seasonal produce ✔️ Use reusable dinnerware and cloth napkins ✔️ Choose locally-sourced ingredients and zero-waste shopping ✔️ Gift experiences or upcycled presents to reduce waste No ideas yet? Don’t worry—check out our blog for inspiration! Read the blog post here: https://lnkd.in/e6V4NpqH "𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒔𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒍𝒆𝒕’𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐𝒐." #EcoFriendlyThanksgiving #SustainableLiving #GreenHolidays #ReduceWaste #HappyThanksgiving 

A recent report from the Clean Earth Trust highlights a staggering statistic: 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝟳𝟱% 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀𝗲𝘆'𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰. In 2023 alone, volunteers collected almost 28,000 pieces of rubbish, weighing in at over 600kg—and an overwhelming 80% was plastic. Among the most common items found were hard plastics, cigarette butts, food wrappers, and small plastic fragments. These plastics contribute to the ongoing global pollution crisis, harming marine life and damaging ecosystems. While the findings show a slight improvement from the previous year’s report (which documented nearly 40,000 pieces of litter), it’s clear that plastic waste remains a huge problem. The challenge we face in combating ocean pollution is as urgent as ever. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀? The effort to clean up is working! Community volunteers are making a difference, and there's hope as efforts to reduce waste and raise awareness grow. But it’s clear: 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲. Tackling plastic pollution starts with reducing our consumption of single-use plastics and supporting sustainable practices—whether it's picking up litter when we see it, choosing eco-friendly alternatives, or backing businesses committed to sustainability. If we all take small steps, together, we can make a real impact in reducing plastic waste and preserving our planet for future generations. Let’s do our part and keep the momentum going! Read more the report here: https://lnkd.in/gXxv9fWK #PlasticPollution #MarineLitter #Sustainability #CommunityEfforts #CleanEarth #EcoFriendly 

Looking for snacks that are as kind to the planet as they are to your body? Sun & Swell is setting the standard for sustainable snacking with a mission to nourish both people and the environment. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿: Sun & Swell creates organic, plant-based snacks, including: ‣ Snack bars ‣ Trail mixes ‣ Dried fruits Their products are crafted with wholesome ingredients that make you feel good inside and out. What sets Sun & Swell apart is its dedication to eco-friendly practices: ✅ 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴: Their innovative packaging is made from wood pulp and is entirely plastic-free, decomposing naturally within a mere 180 days. ✅ 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲: For customers who may be unfamiliar with composting, Sun & Swell has implemented a return program. This initiative allows customers to send back packaging materials for proper composting, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. The brand lives by the mantra of putting people and the planet first. Their innovative approach aims to show how businesses can thrive while prioritizing sustainability and community well-being. What’s your take on brands using compostable packaging? Could this be the future of sustainable shopping? #SustainableSnacking #EcoFriendlyPackaging #PlantBasedLiving #SunAndSwell #HealthyLiving #EcoFriendly #Sustainability

Every year, we produce over 400 millions of tons of plastic, much of it ending up in our oceans, rivers, and ecosystems. But what if there was a way to counteract the plastic we consume, similar to how carbon offsets work? That’s the idea behind 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗡𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: for every pound of plastic you produce or consume, an equivalent amount is removed from the environment and responsibly recycled or disposed of. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗜𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀: 1️⃣ Individuals and companies measure their plastic footprint. 2️⃣ They invest in certified programs that remove or recycle plastic waste, often in underserved areas heavily impacted by pollution. 3️⃣ The goal? Achieve balance by removing as much plastic as they use. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀? ✅ Reduces plastic pollution in vulnerable ecosystems. ✅ Creates jobs in waste collection and recycling industries. ✅ Encourages companies to rethink packaging and adopt sustainable alternatives. However, it is critical to understand that plastic neutrality is not a silver bullet. It does not eliminate the need to reduce plastic use entirely. Relying solely on offsets could lead to complacency in addressing the root causes of plastic waste. Instead, plastic neutrality should be seen as an intermediate strategy, a means to cultivate more sustainable habits and ultimately minimize reliance on single-use plastics. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲? Could plastic neutrality be a viable solution to our global plastic problem, or is it just a temporary fix? Let us know in the comments! #PlasticNeutrality #Sustainability #PlasticPollution #EcoSolutions #CircularEconomy

Did you know that 109 million tons of plastic waste float through rivers worldwide, much of it eventually making its way into our oceans? Rain and floods worsen the problem, breaking down plastic into harmful microplastics that devastate marine ecosystems. That’s why 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿, a groundbreaking innovation by a Dutch startup, is making a huge impact! 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗜𝘁 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: A curtain of bubbles is produced on the riverbed by pumping air through a perforated tube. Plastic is directed to the surface by the upward current produced by the bubbles. The Bubble Barrier is positioned diagonally in the waterway and pushes garbage into a catchment system using the river's flow. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁: The Great Bubble Barrier was a finalist for the Earthshot Prize in 2022 and already prevents around 8,000 pieces of plastic from entering the North Sea each month. According to the technology's development team, at least 86% of all plastic waste that flows through the system can be collected. What actions can we take to support innovations like The Great Bubble Barrier and reduce plastic pollution in our waterways? 👉 Learn more at 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿 here: https://lnkd.in/dsZvX7P #PlasticPollution #SustainableInnovation #BubbleBarrier #CleanRivers

Did you know the cosmetics industry pumps out a whopping 120 billion packaging units each year? YES, Many products also contain pesky microplastics that could impact our health. No wonder the anti-packaging movement is gaining traction! Glad, I’ve recently found out about 𝑭𝒐𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒆. This awesome brand goes beyond the usual solid shampoo bars to bring you 100% plastic-free bathroom goodies, including conditioner bars, male care products, pet shampoo, and even intimate washes! So far, the brand has saved around 19 million plastic bottles from being thrown away thanks to its plastic-free solution. Choosing sustainable brands means you’re not just switching products; you’re joining a movement to reclaim our oceans, protect wildlife, and say a resounding no to single-use plastic. Ready to make your bathroom routine more eco-friendly? Check out Foamie and join the plastic-free revolution with me! Together, we can make a difference! Photo from Foamie #PlasticFree #EcoFriendly #SustainableBeauty #Foamie #SayNoToPlastic #GreenLiving #ZeroWaste #HealthyPlanet #NaturalIngredients #CleanBeauty 

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬? Environmental mindfulness is about making conscious, thoughtful choices that support a healthier planet. It’s the practice of recognizing our deep connection with nature and taking actions that reduce our impact on the environment. Here’s how we can bring environmental mindfulness into our daily lives: ✅ 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁𝘀 – Be aware of how everyday activities, like energy use, waste production, and consumption patterns, affect the environment. ✅ 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘆 – Opt for eco-friendly choices whenever possible—cut back on single-use plastics, conserve water, and support sustainable, local businesses. ✅ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 – Spend time outdoors, appreciate natural spaces, and nurture a sense of responsibility for preserving these environments. ✅ 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – Focus on quality over quantity. Before buying, consider the product’s impact and lifecycle to make sustainable choices. Are you practicing environmental mindfulness? Let’s check in with ourselves and see where we can improve! #EnvironmentalMindfulness #Sustainability #EcoAwareness #MindfulLiving #GreenChoices #EarthConscious #BeTheChange #EcoFriendly

𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲-𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲? They help preserve our beautiful seas, protect animals, and promote a sustainable future—here’s why they’re so important: Here’s why they matter: ➡️ Oceans are home to incredible creatures, from tiny fish to majestic whales, but pollution threatens them every day. Marine cleanups remove harmful debris like plastics and fishing gear, preventing injuries and helping these animals thrive in safer, cleaner waters. ➡️ Our oceans are delicate ecosystems, where even the smallest pollution can cause major problems. By cleaning up waste, we stop harmful substances from disrupting marine life and help keep our oceans healthy for everyone who depends on them. ➡️ Marine cleanups aren’t just about picking up trash—they bring communities together to make a real difference! It’s a fun way to connect, raise awareness, and inspire action on the importance of ocean conservation. Plus, it’s a reminder that every little action counts. ➡️ Cleanups also encourage us to rethink how we handle waste. By reducing single-use plastics and making more sustainable choices, we help protect the planet—one decision at a time. Check out what we’ve accomplished during our cleanup efforts in San Cristóbal, Bocas del Toro, Panama! It’s proof that small actions can add up to big changes. Join a cleanup today or organize one with friends and family. #MarineCleanup #OceanConservation #SaveOurSeas #ProtectMarineLife #PlasticFreeOceans #CleanUpTheOcean #SustainableFuture #EcoFriendly #OceanLovers #ReducePlasticWaste #SaveThePlanet #CleanOceans #NatureMatters #EcoWarrior #OceanHeroes #ProtectOurPlanet #SustainableLiving #LoveTheOcean #ConserveMarineLife #CleanEarth #GoGreen #TogetherForOceans

Marine cleanups are crucial for preserving the health of our oceans and protecting marine life. In 2023, the International Coastal Ocean Cleanup mobilized passionate volunteers who collected an alarming amount of waste. Check out these staggering statistics: ● Cigarette Butts: 1,947,483 ● Plastic Beverage Bottles: 1,358,870 ● Plastic Bottle Caps: 853,086 ● Food Wrappers: 762,803 ● Plastic Grocery Bags: 563,390 These eye-opening numbers reveal the pressing need for action against marine pollution. Every piece of debris removed from our beaches and waterways is a step toward healthier ecosystems and safer habitats for marine creatures. I’m incredibly proud to be part of our cleanup efforst in San Cristóbal, Bocas del Toro, Panama, where we removed an impressive number of waste bags, revealing the beautiful mangrove roots along the water’s edge and collaborating with the community to promote a cleaner, healthier environment for residents and visitors alike! Together, we can create a significant impact! Whether you join a local cleanup or organize your own, every effort counts in the fight to protect our beautiful seas for future generations. What’s your favorite way to help the ocean? Share your tips, experiences, and photos in the comments below! Let’s inspire each other to take action! #MarineCleanup #OceanConservation #ProtectOurSeas #SustainableLiving #PlasticPollution #EcoWarrior #SaveOurOceans #MakeADifference #ActNow 

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝑬𝒙𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 (𝑬𝑷𝑹)? Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that holds producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, especially when it comes to disposal and recycling. The goal? To reduce waste and make companies responsible for managing their products sustainably, from creation to end-of-life. 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝑬𝑷𝑹 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏? EPR laws are gaining traction worldwide. The EU, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and parts of the U.S. have implemented EPR policies, often targeting plastic packaging, electronics, and textiles. For example, the EU’s EPR laws require manufacturers to handle the recycling of products like batteries and electronics. 𝑰𝒔 𝑬𝑷𝑹 𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆? ✔️ Studies show that EPR can significantly reduce waste and increase recycling rates. By incentivizing eco-friendly design and packaging, EPR encourages companies to make products that are easier to recycle and less harmful to the environment. However, the effectiveness of EPR often depends on strict enforcement and consumer awareness. EPR isn’t just a policy—it’s a powerful way to drive sustainability forward, making producers part of the solution for a cleaner planet. What products do you think should be included under EPR? #SustainableFuture #ExtendedProducerResponsibility #EPR #WasteReduction #CircularEconomy #EcoInnovation