The statistics are so shocking that sometimes it can feel rather overwhelming, and tricky to know where to start. Every day 8 million pieces of plastic make their way into our oceans. 15% of the body weight of a baby seabird can be plastic. Plastic pollution is now present on every single beach in the world. couple the marine litter problem with everything else that’s going on in the world and we might just crawl under the covers and never come out again.

However it’s not all doom and gloom! The problem of marine litter is widely known. Not only are huge companies, charities and organisations doing their part to help win this eco-war, but there is also so much that we as individuals can do to help too!

Let’s start close to home. Sūndar swimwear is made from Econyl. Econyl is a regenerated nylon made entirely from ocean and landfill waste such as industrial plastic, ghost nets and fabric scraps. Not only do we think it’s an incredible innovation in regeneration that we can personally utilise, but it also forms, in our eyes, the most beautiful circular production line. By creating swimwear from marine plastics, to be worn by women in the ocean, creates the closed loop. From ocean trash to ocean treasure.

Many eco-brands use repurposed marine litter to create their products. For example, German company Rebel Fins use collected and processed ocean plastics to create eco-friendly surfboard fins, Waterhaul sunglasses are made from ghost fishing nets and other plastic pollution found in the ocean and even sports brand giants Adidas teamed up with Parley for the oceans to create fresh new kicks from marine litter. 

People who care are everywhere. Charities such as The 2 Minute Foundation (kick starters of the incredibly successful #2minutebeachclean campaign), City to Sea, an organisation that work with individuals and communities to provide practical solutions to the plastic problem, and Cornish born charity Surfers Against Sewage, are on the front line of the war against plastic. From organising mass beach cleans to constantly and consistently educating people about the problem of plastic pollution, charities such as these dedicate all their time and efforts to keeping our oceans, rivers, lakes, streets and green spaces clear of litter. This not only leaves us with a cleaner, greener world, but also actively protects the wildlife that call these places home.

When it comes to what you can do to help, the possibilities are endless.

Shop consciously from responsible brands who are transparent about their actions. Support charities like the two mentioned above, or check out smaller organisations in your area that you can get involved with too. 

Eco-friendly lifestyle changes don’t have to be hard or expensive. In fact, most of them are pretty easy and will save you money in the long-run! For example, switch to a metal razor and a bamboo toothbrush instead of purchasing disposable plastic ones, see if there’s a local refill store in your area to fill up food and washing liquids, use a lunchbox instead of tin foil or clingfilm and remember the three R’s: if you can’t reuse it or repurpose it, recycle it.

Whilst the stats are in and they are pretty staggering, there’s so much we can do as individuals. The next time you’re on the way to the water's edge for a quick dip or taking a stroll in the park, take a moment to do a little litter pick, choose unpackaged fruit and veg when you’re doing your weekly shop and above all remember that for every small, plastic-free action you take you’re directly saving our oceans.

Marine life will be happier and healthier, global warming will slow down, and as 71% of the earth is covered in water, you’ll be directly saving Mother Nature herself.

So, who’s standing with us to turn the tide on trash?

Shop our sustainable range to kickstart your journey

Words by Lottie Lewis