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Newsletter May 2016
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                                                                                                                              Lap Sap Wan, Hong Kong Island 2015

World Ocean Day is June 8th!

"People ask: Why should I care about the ocean? Because the ocean is the cornerstone of earth's life support system, it shapes climate and weather. It holds most of life on earth. 97% of earth's water is there. It's the blue heart of the planet - we should take care of our heart. It's what makes life possible for us. We still have a really good chance to make things better than they are. They won't get better unless we take the action and inspire others to do the same thing. No one is without power. Everybody has the capacity to do something". 
Sylvia Earle (Ocean Explorer)


Our oceans need our attention now more than ever. Around the world hundreds of organizations and thousands of people are celebrating our oceans in many different ways: by hosting beach cleanups and awareness-raising events such as talks and movies; by taking part in recreational activities like scuba diving and beach celebrations; and by making personal behavior-changing commitments. How will you make a difference?  Here are some ideas... 

Eat less fish. The old saying of 'there's plenty more fish in the sea' is becoming less and less true.  One billion people depend on protein from the sea as their only source, but most people can choose land based protein sources instead.  

Use less plastic.  This year it is estimated 8 million tonnes of mostly single use plastic will end up in the sea from various source points.  We all have a responsibility to reduce our waste. Be mindful of accepting avoidable and unnecessary packaging. 

Your bathroom and the sea are connected! Cotton buds, plastic microbeads from face scrubs, dental floss, condoms and medicine can all end up in the sea.  Don't flush these items - they belong in the bin.    

Being an ocean advocate starts with small acts and every single act makes a difference.
Plastic Free Seas in action:

To see all events for May click here.

On land
PFS has now worked with more than 70 HK schools (17,000+ students) from kindergarten to university. It is always great to see the work and actions students produce after our talks, programs and workshops. We have set up a new web page to showcase student works to inspire others to take action.
On the beach
Why do we do beach cleanups with students? It's not just about removing a lot of rubbish from coastlines, we also try to connect students to the marine biodiversity found on the beach or living in the sea. This month 250 students were on the beach having fun whilst discovering crabs, cuttlefish and more!
Out at sea
The Sea Classroom is currently undergoing engine maintenance and repair but should be back in the water before July ready for the summer program. School bookings are also open for the new school year - get in touch here to secure your school's place for August - Dec 2016 trips. 
Make a difference and Support PFS: The iconic PFS Smiley Face t-shirt is made from recycled PET drink bottles. The front features a smile with healthy marine life and the back is a frown with polluted seas and rubbish. They're available in sizes XS through XXL. Buy yours today!
Buy Now
Little Wins Campaign: What can one person do to make a difference? This is the most often asked question to PFS. Our response is always - a lot! If you want to see positive change, find out who to contact and let them know. Write a letter, talk to a manager. If you don't ask, it definitely won't happen.
A few years ago, PFS went to a school to do our usual talk on plastic marine pollution which focuses on solutions, suggesting simple ways to decrease the amount of single-use disposable plastic we use on a regular basis. After the talk, the teacher invited us for a coffee at the coffee shop.
Read More ...

May Eco-tip:  With summer fast approaching, many people will be fleeing the Hong Kong heat and traveling to destinations throughout the world.  Waste reduction in popular tourist areas is very important. Often these places have poor waste infrastructure and cannot deal with the abundance of plastic used. Here are some things to keep in mind to be an ocean friendly traveler:  

  • Before you leave be sure to turn off and unplug appliances to save electricity.
  • On the plane reduce waste using your own cup, cutlery and water bottle (staff can refill it).
  • A little research is all it takes to find an environmentally conscious hotel or resort.
  • Become familiar with your hotel's recycling program.  And don't be afraid to make suggestions on the comment cards in the rooms or to management if they're lacking.
  • Avoid takeaway food and drinks in styrofoam where you can.
  • Order drinks without straws or carry your own reusable one.
  • Save water and energy by reusing towels and bed linens instead of having them changed daily.
  • Save energy by turning the thermostat up a degree or two in your room.
  • When choosing souvenirs buy local handicrafts not wrapped in plastic if possible 
  • And don't forget to carry your reusable water bottle, cutlery set and shopping bags! 

Upcoming Events:  

World Environment Day June 5th Global Day of Action
World Oceans Day  June 8th Global Day of Action
Films for Change - Bag It June 14th, Zaks Discovery Bay 19:00
Mr. Eco in Hong Kong June 14th-17th Bookings available for school assemblies
Community Beach Clean-up  June 18th, Discovery Bay (Sam Pak Wan) 2-4pm


Competitions:
Climate Change Youth Photo Competition (7-18 years old)
Making Meaning of Ocean Pollution (Middle and high school students) Closing date: June 13, 2016

In the News:

Plastic Free Seas is grateful for the generosity and support from individuals, companies, schools and foundations to fund our education programs.  If you want to contribute, your donation large or small will help continue to run the PFS land, beach and sea activities.
DONATE
Copyright © 2016 Plastic Free Seas, All rights reserved.

www.plasticfreeseas.org


 






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Plastic Free Seas · PO Box 290 · Tung Chung · Lantau Island · Hong Kong

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