What You Can Do to Save the Oceans

We’re in big trouble. With a capital “T.” Which rhymes with “P” which stands for Plastic. That’s right, plastic. Plastic bags, bottles, straws, and more are strangling our oceans, killing wildlife, and creating a serious threat to fish, seabirds, and other ocean animals as well as boats and the coast itself. We need to do something to save the oceans right now.

This post is sponsored by adidas.

Our Oceans are in Trouble

According to the Ocean Conservancy, over eight million metric tons of plastic is dumped into the ocean every year. If we don’t do something now, we can expect over 250 million metric tons of plastic in the ocean in 10 years! 

Now is the time that we must take action to save our oceans. Here are some tips that will help, including supporting companies like @adidas which is using ocean plastic to create Parley. #ad #parleyfortheoceanClick To Tweet

Every year about 400,000 marine animals, including fish, turtles, dolphins, and others, die because of ocean plastic.  As plastic, which is virtually indestructible, photodegrades into smaller pieces, sea animals mistake it for food. Plastic has been found in 60% of sea birds and 100% of sea turtles.  It also damages the internal organs of fish. It is now even found in humans who ingest ocean fish. 

Plastic damages the ocean in other ways too. According to Parley for the Ocean, between 57,000 and 135,000 whales are entangled in plastic debris every year. The plastic collects in slow-moving whirlpools, called gyres. A lot of this plastic sinks, but much of it ends up washed up onto our beaches every day.

It’s imperative that we clean up our oceans or we risk the extinction of many sea animals and the destruction of an ecosystem, as well as the health of anyone who eats seafood.

What Can We Do to Save the Oceans?

While the plastic problem seems overwhelming there are many things that we as consumers can do to help save the oceans. Here are a few ideas.

Avoid

Avoiding plastic as much as possible is probably one of the most important things we can do to save the oceans. Stop purchasing bottled water, using plastic straws, and bring your own bags when shopping. Always carry your own bottle for water, coffee, or other beverages.

Clean Up

Volunteer to help at a cleanup, not just near the ocean but anywhere. Start plogging, which is basically picking up trash while you’re running, walking, or hiking. 

Recycle

Some plastic use is inevitable, so make sure to recycle what plastic you must use.

Support

Use your power as a consumer to support companies that are committed to saving the ocean, whether through reduction of plastic use, recycling or upcycling programs, or innovation that helps create solutions to our global ocean problem.

adidas Parley

adidas Parley is a perfect example of using upcycling to help save the oceans. adidas has officially partnered with Parley for the Oceans, an environmental organization with a mission to fight the destruction of our oceans with plastic and other threats. Through this partnership, adidas is committed to keeping plastic from entering the ocean and transforming it into high-performance sportswear.

adidas created Parley, an entire line of products, including shoes, that are made from plastic ocean debris. In addition to shoes, adidas has created swimsuits, tennis gear, and soccer apparel. But, since this is a running blog, let’s check out some of the adidas Parley Running line.

Ultraboost X Parley Running Shoes

The lightweight Ultraboost X Parley running shoe is a neutral shoe with a knit upper that is made with yarn that is created from Parley Ocean Plastic™.  It has energized cushioning and a natural feel and support. It even has an oceanic look!

Stella McCartney Run Tights

Stella McCartney has partnered with adidas since 2005 and now adds her design flair to the Parley line to help save the oceans. These Stella McCartney Run Tights are made from fabric that features ECONYL® regenerated yarn. They are designed to wick away sweat and keep you cool with mesh panels.

Parley Tank Top

The Parley Tank Top is designed for tennis but it would be a perfect running tank. I love the oceanic colors and feel of this top.  It wicks away sweat and is made with yarn created in collaboration with Parley for the Oceans.

In addition to the collaboration with Parley for the Oceans, adidas is continuously striving to become a more sustainable company.  Their Sustainable Roadmap for 2020 defines six strategic priorities to address the issues and challenges of the spaces where sport is made, sold, and played.

Yes, we can save the oceans if we all get involved, do our part, and call upon business to do the same. World Ocean Day is June 8. Let’s celebrate by taking steps to save our oceans.

Run for the Oceans

Here’s something else you can do to help save the oceans. Join adidas and Runtastic in the Run for the Oceans challenge. For every kilometer you run between June 8 and 16, adidas will donate $1 to the Parley Ocean School programs. When you join the challenge you will help fund programs that will educate youth how to tackle the marine plastic problem. Join the challenge in the Runtastic app. Join now!

 

 

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