Our Goals

We aim to bring people together to develop and execute practical and achievable solutions. Our focus is on action, not just discussion.

Here are some of our objectives for this year:

Sustainable fishing nets

Issue: Plastic fishing nets, persisting indefinitely in the oceans once lost, contribute to the phenomenon known as 'ghost fishing,' causing the unintended capture and death of millions of marine creatures. Moreover, conventional nets often ensnare unintended species, preventing their escape.

Objective: Foster collaboration with manufacturers of alternative nets and advocate for their adoption in fisheries.

Ensure that these nets are engineered to facilitate the escape of dolphins and other non-target species.

Plastic packaging

Issue: Plastic packaging remains the leading contributor to ocean pollution, despite the availability of numerous plastic alternatives that are underutilized by retailers.

Solution: Our objective is to facilitate widespread adoption of these alternatives. We aim to collaborate with non-plastic producers and supermarkets to enhance accessibility and affordability of plastic-free alternatives.

Reducing synthetic fibres

Clothes displaying on racks inside of a store

Issue: Synthetic fibers entering waterways degrade into harmful microplastics.

Solution: Encourage the use of washing machine filters to capture synthetic fibers released during laundry. Support research aimed at developing synthetic fibers with reduced shedding tendencies.

Additionally, collaborate with alternative fabric makers to promote eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, banana leaves, organic cotton, and hemp as sustainable alternatives in the clothing industry.

Microbeads

Issue: Microbeads, small plastic particles used in personal care products like exfoliants and toothpaste, can pass through wastewater treatment plants and end up in the ocean.

Solution: Implementing and enforcing bans on the use of microbeads in personal care products. Promoting the development and use of natural alternatives to microbeads.

Reducing Harmful Ingredients
in Daycare Products

Issue: Daycare products, such as personal care items (shampoos, lotions, and soaps) and cleaning supplies, often contain ingredients that can be harmful to the ocean and marine life.

Solutions: Identifying and reducing the use of these harmful ingredients in daycare products can help protect ocean ecosystems.

Opting for eco-friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic alternatives is a key step in minimising the environmental impact.

For more information, here are some common toxic ingredients found in these products:

Phthalates: These chemicals are often used to make plastics more flexible and are found in many personal care products as fragrances. They can disrupt the endocrine system of marine animals.
Parabens: These are used as preservatives in cosmetics and personal care products. Parabens can mimic estrogen and have been linked to reproductive issues in marine species.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): These surfactants are used in many cleaning and personal care products for their foaming properties. They can be toxic to aquatic life and contribute to water pollution.
Triclosan and Triclocarban: These antibacterial agents are commonly found in soaps and hand sanitizers. They can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and are toxic to marine life.
Microbeads: Found in some exfoliating products and toothpaste, these tiny plastic particles can be ingested by marine animals, leading to physical harm and chemical contamination.
Synthetic Fragrances: These can contain a variety of harmful chemicals, including phthalates, and can contribute to water pollution and toxicity to marine organisms.
Oxybenzone and Octinoxate: These UV filters found in sunscreens can cause coral bleaching and are toxic to various marine species.
Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-releasing Preservatives: Used in some personal care products as preservatives, they can be harmful to aquatic life.
Phenoxyethanol: Used as a preservative in cosmetics, it can be toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms.
Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs): These are used as surfactants in cleaning products and can be toxic to marine life, affecting their growth and reproduction.