Plastics
Plastic on our planet is ubiquitous. A revolution in the 1950s has turned into a mess for our oceans, fresh waterways and the overall health of our planet. There have been advances with this invention and life saving capabilities.
The problem lies in our overuse, ‘throwaway’ lifestyle and the microplastics left behind.
Here’s a story of inspiration and change about rethinking plastic. Squamish resident, amazing photographer, social entrepreneur and all round phenomenal being, making a difference, three bottles of plastic at a time.
WORLD OCEANS DAY MESSAGE
CLARE HODGETTS
Hi, I’m Clare the co-founder of InFocus Canada. Happy World Oceans Day! We are so honoured to be part of this important day and week!
At InFocus Canada we help reduce the amount of plastic in the waste stream and oceans by turning it into a beautiful product. We make fashion scarves entirely from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. Our scarves tell a story and part of that story is that each scarf diverts three plastic bottles from the waste stream. I always find it pretty amazing that you can take plastic bottles and turn them into material – material that is soft and flowy and feels beautiful.
Our mission is to raise money for charity through sustainable fashion, and showcase amazing work being done by professional photographers. We work with some of the best nature and landscape photographers in North America and print an image of theirs onto the scarves creating a piece of wearable art. Each photographer chooses a charity and we donate 10% of all sales to charity. Our overarching focus is environmental conservation and we are really excited to offer products that minimize their environmental footprint, and at the same time benefit charities and artists.
When I think of what oceans and water mean to me, the sustenance and interconnection of all life is the first thing that comes to mind. That, and spending time in or on the water. Some of the most memorable experiences in my life have happened while surfing or boating.
What do oceans and water mean to you?
We are at a turning point - and while stats like there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050 are overwhelming and feel so big, we can all do our part. It’s all the small actions that make big change. The important thing is to take action in your own way however you can. We are in this together and together we can make positive change.
Happy World Oceans Day and Week!
Where To Find Clare - Around Town. Out on the Water. www.infocuscanada.ca or on Instagram @canadainfocus or Facebook @infocuscanadascarves, for more inspiration and information.
In The News: Turning plastic bottles into gorgeous scarves: Wildlife photographers focus on sustainable fashion | CTV News
Grateful to know people like Clare Hodgetts . Doing what she loves and awesome things for our planet! Also stoked to be wearing one of her beautiful scarves, supporting Canadian Wildlife Federation
SO WHAT ABOUT PLASTIC
We need less of it.
We need to clean it up.
“Plastic is a reliable and useful material. But because it is cheap to produce we don’t value it. More than 40% of plastic produced is designed for single use. We have been happy to take and discard it, recycling only 9% of plastic here in Canada.” Ocean Wise
SEE WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS SHORT VIDEO TAKE A PLASTIC PLEDGE
In looking at ‘Clean Water’, the Ocean Watch strategy takes a look at the problem of plastics and what we can do.
“Plastic pollution in the marine environment is a universal issue. Globally, more than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, and demand is still growing. Global plastic production doubles every decade.”
Here’s a bit of garbage collected on a wintry paddle out on the estuary.
Across the country, we can’t help but have noticed the increasing amount of plastic garbage left on the ground.
Canada's plastics problem | Canada's National Observer: News & Analysis
WHAT ELSE CAN WE DO?
SHOP LOCAL. BUY SECOND HAND.
See who’s in your neighbourhood or community, for opportunities to reduce plastic and increase good vibes living.
GET CREATIVE.
Piece by Raja Surendra, dad of Eloria who shared her ‘Plastic Song’ with us for World Oceans Day 2020 and at Mamquam Elementary, in Kirsten Sollid’s class.
BE PLASTIC WISE - FROM OCEAN WISE
“Our plastic waste is threatening ocean life. It is damaging the marine environment, harming more than 800 marine species, reducing the oceans ability to combat climate change, and increasingly found in our food and drinking water, causing concerns for our health.
Science tells us, if we act now we can make a difference!
Together we can stop the leak of plastic into the ocean, learn to value plastics instead of toss them away, and adopt innovative solutions. These actions will give marine life the chance to rebuild and flourish, enabling the oceans to sustain us for generations to come.”
Plastic Reduction Program (ocean.org)
Plastics Lab - Ocean Wise Research
EACH OF US NEEDS TO, AND DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
I reside on the unceded traditional territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and am grateful to share my voice for Atl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound