S4H20 (said “Swimmers For Water”) will be starting a month long campaign to reduce the use of plastic
For the month of November I am taking the S4H2O Plastic Free Pledge to raise
awareness for the critical state of the health of our oceans. Take the pledge
today, and join me in keeping our water beautiful #S4H2OPFP #Plasticfreepledge
products. Starting November 1st, swimmers will be taking the Plastic Free Pledge to raise awareness for the crisis our oceans face. Water pollution is something that has earned a ton of media attention this year in light of the Associated Press’s report on dangerous viral levels in the Rio Olympic Waterways. The Open Water swimming community deserves to swim in clean water without worrying about getting sick during their training or a race.
This movement was started by swim coach Meghan Thompson-Edwards. She became committed to this vision after training entirely open water in Guatemala one summer while she was in college swimming for NC State. That summer, she got very sick due to the pollution levels in the Guatemalan waters, causing her to lose nearly 20% of her body weight.
“Swimmers are empowered and are in a position where they can truly make a difference. Water is their element and they can save it. “
It has been reported that scientists believe there are 5 trillion particles of plastic in the oceans; a number that is comparable to the amount of fish in the ocean. It has also been reported that there are 268 million tons of plastics floating on the ocean surface. A specific kind of plastic called “polyethylene terephthalate” (PET) is used in the production of these kinds of disposable bottles and unless the bottles are sealed with air, they will sink. Scientists have no way of knowing just how much plastic has sunken down to depths of the ocean, but the postulations are horrific.
Swimmers can make a difference by using re-usable bottles and limiting their consumption of drinks from disposable plastic bottles. If you want to make a difference, go to their website to make the #PlasticFreePledge.
S4H2O Presents its First Annual Plastic Free Challenge
One month. No beverages from plastic containers. Are you game?
Are you ready to go “blue” with S4H2O? November is our plastic awareness month. Our goal is to inspire a healthy, beautiful, and sustainable waters all over the globe. In order to accomplish this goal for the human race, we need to put an end to additional plastic infecting the ocean. If you want to get onboard, take the plastic free pledge at s4h2o.com #PlasticFreePledge #S4H2OPFP #swimmingsaves
For the duration of the month of November, pledges will hold themselves accountable to their plastic use and consumption. That means forgoing plastic whenever possible in exchange for materials that are bio-degradable and re-usable. Plastic has become an unavoidable part of modern society. But while it is difficult to completely stop your plastic use, you CAN stop drinking from plastic containers. Instead, select beverages which come from reusable bottles (Tap water. You can do it), cans, and paper cartons. A huge culprit in the destruction of marine health is plastic water, soda, and drink bottles. A specific kind of plastic called “polyethylene terephthalate” (PET) is used in the production of these kinds of bottles and unless the bottles are sealed with air, they will sink. Scientists have no way of knowing just how much plastic has sunken down to depths of the ocean, but the postulations are horrific.
How to make the Plastic Free Pledge:
Ideally, this challenge is to be started at the beginning of the month. However, if you hear about the challenge at any point in November, you can absolutely jump on board and go plastic free for the rest of the months. Get started as soon as you are able!
Go online and post a picture of yourself with the caption “For the month of November I am taking the S4H2O Plastic Free Pledge to raise awareness for the critical state of the health of our oceans. Take the pledge today, and join me in keeping our water beautiful #S4H2OPFP #Plasticfreepledge”. You can hold up a reusable water bottle, throw up a peace sign, or just shine with a smile. Share with your friends, family, classmates, teammates, coworkers, and schools. Let’s make a difference.
Post picture on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. We may feature you online at s4h2o.com/plasticfreepledge.
Tips:
- Invest in multiple reusable bottles. Keep on in your car, one in your house, and one in your bag.
- Reuse grocery and shopping bags. Keep them, again, in your car, in your house, and in your purse/bag.
- Keep metal silver ware handy wherever you go. How many times a week do you use disposable utensils? Remember, they’re disposable to you but the earth has no way of getting rid of them.
- Athletes, get powdered sports drinks. You don’t have to buy Gatorade by the bottle. There are other options.
- If you ever end up having to use plastic because you have no other option, RECYCLE!!!! If there is no recycling available, keep it with you until you find somewhere to recycle it.
For the month of November I am taking the S4H2O Plastic Free Pledge to raise
awareness for the critical state of the health of our oceans. Take the pledge
today, and join me in keeping our water beautiful #S4H2OPFP #Plasticfreepledge