There are only two ways to write about the major issues affecting our environment – the pessimist’s view, or the much more upbeat optimist’s view. We prefer the latter!
But that doesn’t mean that things aren’t serious. Simply put, we have a major environmental crisis looming with plastics contaminating our oceans and waterways.
To put it into values we can all understand, there are already 5-trillion (yes, TRILLION!) tonnes of plastic floating in the oceans around the globe, and if pollution continues on its current curve, there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans by 2050.
And although 95% of the plastic comes from just 10 rivers (mainly in Asia and Africa), be under no illusion – each year 300 tonnes of rubbish is cleared from the Thames alone!
So what can we do right now to make our mark and unclog our waterways?
Let’s go fishing!
Local company Encompass Safety Solutions is planning a Thames Plastic Fishing trip as part of its commitment to cleaning up Britain’s biggest waterway.
Using the revolutionary ‘Poly-Mer’ – a 12-seater punt made completely out of recycled plastic – Encompass and a selection of lucky eco-campaigning partners will embark on an environmental day-trip of dynamic proportions!
The event takes place on Friday 23 March, setting sail from Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre in East London. Lasting around 2 hours, the team will spend around 45 minutes of fishing, with prizes for the most (and most interesting!) pieces of plastic.
There is also a bespoke workshop, team games and educational activities to highlight issues and discuss solutions.
The funds raised will be used to finance new boats, as well as supporting trips for schoolchildren – all in all this is an excellent cause and a great way to see Canary Wharf from a unique perspective!
Calling on our local businesses to have a punt
We’re looking for representatives from local business teams to join us on this fantastic day out, but places are limited to one representative from a maximum of 20 local businesses.
If you’d like to be one of the 20 selected to support this initiative, please email office@encompasssafetysolutions.co.uk telling us why you think your business and representative is perfect for a place on the boat!
We’ll be in touch to announce our competition winners, and look forward to a dynamic day of plastic fishing and making our mark for environmental change!
