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Introduction: Raising awareness for ocean health
Introduction: Raising awareness for ocean health
Hello dear readers, and welcome back to our second edition of the LikeMySea newsletter!
For this month's edition, we have prepared a very interesting and necessary topic to address. Ocean pollution, specifically plastic waste, and the impacts it has on our immense ocean.
It seems we often forget that the majestic length of water resting on top of the earth not only serves for human use and consumption, but also as a home for biodiversity and a vast number of species that coexist in harmony beneath the ocean’s surface.
We like to think of the human race as the most important one on Earth, presuming that we know everything about our habitat and the things that surround us. The truth is that the ocean remains one of the biggest mysteries for us. More than 80% of the ocean has not been mapped, explored, or even seen by humans.
By taking for granted the fact that our ocean will always be there for us, no matter how badly we treat it. We are endangering our ocean. This anthropocentric point of view leads us to throw more and more plastic into our oceans, thinking it will magically disappear. The millions of tons of plastic that we throw into the ocean every year, degrades into microplastics, disrupting ecosystems and contaminating the food chain when ingested by marine life. Solving this urgent crisis requires the help of all citizens through citizen science and student activism to raise awareness and protect our marine ecosystems.
With the collaboration of Sofia Fischer, Mia Petricevic and Lola Badillo Tadic -three students from Split, Croatia- along with the partnership of the Plastic Free Wave organisation, we aim to inspire you and give an example of global youth action that you can follow.
So, do not hesitate and join our movement to save our oceans!
by Gerry & Bonni is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
"Bangkok, Thailand"
by Maria Calinescu
Beach Cleaning Campaign: A Joint Effort across Schools
Beach Cleaning Campaign: A Joint Effort across Schools
On Monday 18th November, the 4th-grade students of Escola Voramar participated in a beach clean-up campaign organized by PlasticFREEwave as part of the #likemysea project funded by ProBleu. At the same time, the PYP students of Split International School took part in a beach clean-up campaign in Split. This activity coincided with the #letscleaneurope campaign, a European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR), that encourages all Europeans, among others, to carry out awareness-raising actions about sustainable resource and waste management during a single week in November.
PlasticFreewave is aimed at raising awareness regarding plastic pollution that critically affect seas and oceans worldwide through workshops and diverse activities. Thanks to such kind of events, like the beach cleaning held in Barcelona and Split, students have been able to understand the current problems of plastic pollution, the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling, among others. They are mobilised and engaged to help achieve the EU mission "Restore our oceans and waters by 2030", not to mention the improved understanding of ocean ecosystems and the enhancement of the sense of stewardship towards the value and challenges of oceans.
Voramar School Students picking up rubbish in the shore of Barcelona
Voramar School students picking up rubbish in the shore of Barcelona
Voramar School students picking up rubbish in the shore of Barcelona
Split International School students who participated in the beach cleaning campaign in Split (Croatia)
Rubbish being picked up by Split International School students
Testimony
Testimony
Now you shall find a testimony from Voramar School teachers talking about heir own and pupils' experience and how she thinks the project helped students become cognizant of the problem regarding ocean plastic pollution. Click below to find out her valuable statements.
Real-life data: small citizen scientists!
Real-life data: small citizen scientists!
Below you shall find the data that gathers the exact numbers regarding found rubbish in Barcelona beach during Voramar School Students' clean-up campaign:
Recollida_platjadelBogatell_Escola_VoraMar.xlsx - LIMPIEZA 1.pdfExpert insights: Interview with a Plastic Free Wave representative
Expert insights: Interview with a Plastic Free Wave representative
Èlia Planas Gabriel
For this part of the newsletter, we had the pleasure to talk with an expert on this field.
Èlia Planas Gabriel is a representative of the Plastic Free Wave Representative. This organisation is a role model for taking environmental action and protecting the ocean from plastic.
Discover how small, everyday actions can lead to big waves of change for our oceans.
Raising Awareness Through Action
Raising Awareness Through Action
Citizen science is the involvement of the public in scientific research – whether community-driven research or global scientific investigations. It includes a broad range of activities, from mapping natural phenomena to analyzing scientific data, sharing health information, and making new low-cost technologies.
Awareness campaigns are vital tools for sparking social change, addressing environmental challenges, and creating a more informed society. However, their success often hinges on one key element: community involvement. When individuals actively participate, they don't just become passive observers; they transform into changemakers.
Leaders of the United Nations Environment Program have recognized the particular and significant contribution Citizen Science can make to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals .
"Professional science alone cannot provide information at the scales and resolutions necessary to understand environmental change. The dominant culture of scientific expertise does not account for different ways of knowing, and often fails to engage the public. Thus, Citizen science emphasizes collaborative intelligence and co-creation to facilitate scientific and community-based solutions. Citizen science provides active and meaningful ways to fulfill the intention of treaties that call for the integration of local and indigenous knowledge."
The Role of Community Involvement
The Role of Community Involvement
Community involvement amplifies the impact of awareness campaigns by creating a sense of shared responsibility. Grassroots efforts, local events, and volunteer-driven initiatives have the power to connect people emotionally with a cause, inspiring action. For instance, beach clean-ups not only remove waste but also educate participants about marine pollution, turning an abstract issue into a tangible, shared, conscient experience.
Moreover, community-driven action builds trust and engagement. People are more likely to rally behind initiatives that feel personal and localized. This ripple effect extends far beyond the initial participants, reaching friends, families, and neighbors, creating this shared atmosphere.
Global Initiatives Making a Difference
Global Initiatives Making a Difference
Several global movements demonstrate how community involvement can raise awareness and drive action:
Organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature, this initiative invites individuals to turn off their lights for one hour to symbolize commitment to the planet.
An African-led movement combating desertification through tree planting, engaging local communities to reclaim their landscapes.
You can participate in this initiative by simply signing the Great Green pledge on the website!
A recent global campaign that aimed to raise $30 million to remove 30 million pounds of trash from oceans, rivers, and beaches worldwide.
These examples illustrate how collective action, whether through individual acts or large-scale initiatives, can address pressing global issues.
Citizen Science: Awareness Meets Action
Citizen Science: Awareness Meets Action
One of the most exciting ways to raise awareness and take action is through citizen science projects. These initiatives invite everyday people to contribute to scientific research, fostering curiosity while addressing real-world problems. Some prominent citizen science projects include:
iNaturalist: A platform where participants log observations of plants and animals, aiding biodiversity research. iNaturalist APP
Zooniverse: A hub for projects where users help analyze data, from galaxy patterns to endangered species. Zooniverse Web
Monitor Water: Use a test kit to sample local bodies of water for water quality data and share the results with other communities around the world. Monitor Water Movement
Measure Snow Depth: The Community Snow Observations (CSO) project relies on snow depth measurements collected by participants to help scientists understand the impacts of climate change in the mountains. Citizen scientists can submit snow measurements, allowing scientists to analyze the data and integrate it into models and remote sensing products.
By contributing to these projects, individuals can learn about critical issues firsthand while making a tangible impact.
How to Get Involved
How to Get Involved
Getting started is easier than ever. Look for local organizations hosting awareness events, join international campaigns via social media, or explore citizen science platforms. Simple steps like educating yourself, spreading the word, or dedicating a few hours to hands-on activities can create meaningful change.
Community involvement transforms awareness into action, turning citizens into leaders. Whether it’s through local efforts, global initiatives, or citizen science, every small step taken together builds a stronger, more informed, and active society.
Reduce, Reuse, Participate!
Reduce, Reuse, Participate!
Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue that affects our oceans, wildlife, and even our health. While the problem may seem overwhelming, individual and collective actions can make a real difference. Here’s how you can reduce your plastic use, get involved in community efforts, and support impactful organizations.
Practical Tips for Reducing Plastic Use
Switch to Reusable Alternatives:
Opt for reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and food containers to minimize single-use plastics.Buy in Bulk:
Purchase goods in bulk to reduce packaging waste. Bring your own jars or bags to refill stations when possible.Refuse Unnecessary Plastics:
Say no to straws, plastic cutlery, and excessive packaging when you can. Small refusals add up!Support Sustainable Brands:
Choose companies that use eco-friendly materials and promote zero-waste practices.
Participate in Future Beach Cleanups
Beach cleanups are an effective and rewarding way to combat plastic pollution directly. Look for local organizations, like Plastic Free Wave, that host regular cleanups in your area. Don’t wait for someone else to take action—organize one yourself!
Steps to Organize a Cleanup:
Scout a Location: Choose a beach, riverbank, or park that needs attention.
Gather Volunteers: Spread the word through social media or community boards.
Coordinate Supplies: Provide gloves, bags, and recycling bins.
Support Environmental Organizations
Organizations like Plastic Free Wave work tirelessly to combat plastic pollution through advocacy, education, and action. You can help by:
Donating: Support their initiatives financially.
Volunteering: Offer your time and skills to their projects.
Raising Awareness: Share their message with friends and family.
Every action matters, and together we can pave the way for a cleaner, greener future. Start small, think big, and let’s tackle plastic pollution one step at a time!
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