One recent study found microplastics—tiny pieces of plastic debris that come from any number of sources—in the gut of every single sea turtle examined (including more than 100 turtles from seven different species). To be exact, more than 800 plastic particles were found in these sea turtles, including everything from rubber bands, balloons and tires to cigarettes and pieces of clothing. The sea turtles often mistake these bits of pollution for food, and in some cases simply aren’t able to avoid all the debris surrounding them.
Young sea turtles are especially likely to mistake to the plastics for food, but sea turtles of all age and species are at risk, including the Pura Vida turtle, Vida, below. So sad!
Unfortunately, sea turtles aren’t the only ones being harmed by the ever-increasing amount of plastic that’s entering our oceans on a daily basis. Earlier this year, a short-fin male pilot whale died in Thailand after eating more than 17 pounds of plastic bags and packaging. And every year, millions of seabirds suffer the same fate from consuming plastic waste.
This is why it’s crucial for all of us to act right now to help protect our oceans and the marine life living within them. If we don’t, the amount of plastic in the ocean will likely increase tenfold by 2020. And by 2050, that means there would be more plastic than fish in our oceans.
But enough with the bad news; here’s the good news: We can all make a difference! Big changes start with tiny steps, including three moves you can make right now to reduce your impact and protect our marine life:
1. Reduce your plastic usage and waste.
- Use a reusable cup, mug, or bottle whenever possible.
- Avoid products with plastic microbeads.
- BYOS - Bring your own straw!
- Use Beeswax wraps instead of cling wrap.
Click here to read more strategies to reduce plastic waste!
2. Attend a beach cleanup
Grab some friends or coworkers and organize your own cleanup, or work with a local organization to find a scheduled cleanup at a beach near you! Click here to read more about our recent beach cleanup in San Diego.
3. Support our partners!
We’ll donate 10% of net sales back to our awesome partners that are helping to keep our beaches and marine life plastic free.
It is the mission of Sea Turtle Conservancy to ensure the survival of sea turtles within the Caribbean, Atlantic and Pacific through research, education, training, advocacy and protection of the natural habitats upon which they depend. 10% of net profits of this bracelet will be donated to Sea Turtle Conservancy.
B.E.A.C.H. Marine Debris Solutions Anklet
Our B.E.A.C.H. – Marine Debris Solutions Anklet benefits B.E.A.C.H. Beach Environmental Awareness Campaign Hawai`i (B.E.A.C.H.) is an all volunteer, non-profit organization that brings awareness and solutions to the problem of marine debris through environmental education, plastic reduction/litter prevention campaigns, and marine debris removal and research.
This style pack supports the Oceanic Preservation Society and their mission to expose complex, global environmental issues and promote advocacy through the use of film, photography, social media, and collaboration.
Thank you for helping Pura Vida and our partners protect our oceans and marine life!
Photos: Griffin Thall, Lauren Parks
