Turn the Tide on Plastic

We all know the need to reduce the amount of plastics in our seas and oceans. Each year at least eight million tonnes of plastic leak into the ocean; it’s time to take action.

Irish Sailing has taken the Clean Seas “Turn the Tide on Plastic” pledge which will see us working to reduce the amount of plastics we use in all the events we host.

That includes looking at things like using recyclable or biodegradable materials for events, from promotional materials to catering,  and thinking proactively about how small changes can impact positively.

To find out more and how you can pledge go to http://www.cleanseas.org/

There Are So Many Ways You Can Help to "Turn the Tide On Plastic"

Get Started 

Here are a few ideas to get you started next time you hit the water ...

• Say no to straws
• Avoid products with microbeads (e.g. toothpastes, beauty products)
• Choose products with no or less packaging
• Bringing own take-out containers
• Remembering reusable or bio-degradable bags
• Use a refillable water bottle and having a water refill tap available
• Avoiding pre-packed lunches in plastic bags for sailors on the water
• Reuse cutlery and crockery (avoid disposable plastics)
• Bars of soap instead of soap in a bottle
• Jugs of water and glasses at meetings instead of individual plastic bottles
• A “leave no waste” policy which include penalties for competitors that are caught leaving waste (biodegradable or not) behind them
• Use and return trolley tags for re-use

We’ll add to this list with your ideas – so let us know what you do to avoid plastics ! email Gail on gail.macallister@sailing.ie

Did you know that Chillys Bottles give Irish Sailing Members a 10% discount on their amazing insulated bottles? Check em out here.

Here are just a few of the organisations and initiatives that may have something for you ...

Clean Coasts

The Clean Coasts is programme run by An Taisce and has a dumber of initiatives and campaigns you can join to make a differience -

• Join your local Clean Coast group or set one up
• #2minute Beach Clean
• Think before you fush
• Beat the Micro Bead
• A wide variety of competitions, talks and awards.

Take a browse through http://cleancoasts.org/ to find a programme that fits your life

Sailors For The Sea

Sailors For The Sea is a non profit organisation that helping to share a greater awareness of how to care for our oceans. One of their initiatives is Clean Regattas, which will give you and your events ...

• Best Practice Guides
• Green Team advice
• Publicity Advice
• Certification

Find out more here https://www.sailorsforthesea.org/programs/clean-regattas

Volvo Ocean Race Sustainability Message

The Volvo Ocean Race is spreading the message of plastic polution as they sail round the world with ...

• Ocean Summits

• Education Prgrammes

• Impact and Footprint assessments and much much more ...

You can see all the action and ideas on how you can make a differenc here https://www.volvooceanrace.com/en/sustainability.html