For most, being on locked down was a real eye-opener on how badly our means of consumption can impact the environment. At home, we began committing to better behaviors that help protect Ocean health. As it is now possible to enjoy the great outdoors, why not keep this mindful spirit alive? This was the choice made by volunteers from Surfrider Europe’s chapters, who took advantage of the beginning of summer to reinvest in the field.
A summer without plastic, but with actions
July has been a lively month for Surfrider Europe’s volunteer chapters who are on the ground once again spreading the message that to enjoy the Ocean, we must protect it! One of Surfrider Europe’s key actions resumed on numerous European beaches; Ocean Initiatives. On coastlines throughout Genova, in the Finistère, Morbihan, Pas-de-Calais, Porto, in the Landes, Var, Calvados, Bouches-du-Rhône, Loire Atlantique, Haute Garonne, and the Basque region, volunteers gathered in small groups to roam their local beaches or parks collecting waste. After the collection period, waste is sorted and counted by volunteers and the data is sent to Surfrider Europe in order to contribute to research on pollution. By taking directly to the water for their collections, volunteers in the Alpes-Maritime showed it was possible to kill two birds with one stone; enjoying the water surfing or paddling while also collecting the waste in their path!
Mobilization is also continuing on the restaurant owners’ side. The Ocean Friendly Restaurants program is already in effect at several establishments in Germany, driven by the support of local chapters. Participation is also begining to grow in France, where the Bouches-du-Rhône and Seine-Maritime chapters have gotten three restaurants to subscribe to the program, proudly committing themselves protecting the Ocean.
In other parts of Europe, awareness came from other means. The CleanTag operation by Surfrider Paris has volunteers roaming the streets of the capital to create tags with several claims such as « Littering the pavement is littering the ocean » or « Here starts the ocean », while collecting cigarette butts. A strong way to remind passerbys that even in the cities, we all have the power to protect the Ocean!
Paris, July 4th 2020
Be commited while enjoying summer
Gironde, July 12th 2020
In Bordeaux, this summer we favor adventure, but always at the service of nature, with the 3rd edition of the Escape Game « En-quête de nature » based on environmental stakes in Gironde. At the heart of Certes and Graveyron domains, participants will discover the environmental impact of pollution through a full-scale treasure hunt.
After this long break due to the health crisis, the entire Surfrider Europe community has been eager to return to the field. One thing is certain: our dedicated network of volunteers is more than ever determined to come together to make the voice of the Ocean heard. Great things are in preparation for the coming months.
Mobilization never takes a vacation with Surfrider Europe! Indeed, the power of the NGO is generated by its passionate volunteer community which is active all across Europe. All year long, this community flies the association’s flag and shares the new campaigns: Just One Thing and Break The Plastic Wave. Surfrider Europe made the most of this occasion to showcase its new collection: inspired by the Ocean, and always designed to respect it, with organic cotton, and without plastic. A good way to take summer up with style and commitment!
If summer has also made you want to get involved, get closer to a local chapter and become a Surfrider volunteer!
