‘This is just a start, a tip of the iceberg. We have to compound this and change everyone’s idea of how dangerous Plastic really is.’

Problem:
We are a Society that creates long term pollution by depending on Plastic products in exchange for short term ease of living.

Plastic does not biodegrade. Oceans and Beaches around the World are inundated with Plastic Debris. Marine and Animal life are dying off by eating plastic that looks like a food source, not digesting it and starving to death. This will all be left to our children. Samples of Debris taken from remote uninhabited islands around Hawaii have shown 72% is non-biodegradable Plastic.

Solution:
“Change how we think about Plastic”, “Change our habits with Plastic”

Sustainability:

Buy Less
Buy quality products and maintain them

Reduce Consumption:

Buy in bulk
Buy 100% recyclable
Return to glass and metal packaging
Recycle all non-biodegradable packaging

Consumer Responsibility:

Consumer assumes a majority of the responsibility for the end use of products.
Support legislation that encourages producer liability for the end result and true cost of their products.
Have smokers use ash trays. Cigarette filters are a type of plastic, they do not biodegrade.
Obey litter laws. Respect our resources and encourage others to do so.
Use trash cans or recycle as much as possible.

This Program is just starting, building a volunteer group to spread the message.
Working with local High School volunteers and S/R Members and those who have the most to lose.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP!!!

For more information:
Mike Balchin – HBSB Surfrider Foundation
hbsbchair@surfrider.org or online at www.sbhbsurfrider.org