take action
Gaining a better understanding of waste and where it comes from is essential in order to tackle the problem at source. To do this, we need the data collected during the various collections organised as part of Ocean Initiatives.
Encouraging citizens to take action
Surfrider supports volunteers and anyone motivated to organise their own litter collection by offering them a range of practical tools with an educational twist.
Raise awareness among as many people as possible
By participating in one of the clean-ups organised as part of Ocean Initiatives, volunteers discover first-hand the impact of waste pollution in the field.
Go to the root of the problem
By sharing information with Surfrider about the waste collected during their clean-ups, volunteers participate in pollution research and help influence legislation.
The field data collected by volunteers during Ocean Initiatives enables Surfrider members to conduct their research and consider the most appropriate measures to reduce pollution at source.
This data provides valuable evidence that can influence public decision-makers to support the measures proposed by the association.
Surfrider Foundation has long been committed to fighting plastic pollution, particularly that caused by single-use products.
After helping to ban plastic bags in 2015, Surfrider played a crucial role in the adoption of the European Single-Use Plastics (SUP) Directive in 2019.
This directive, which since 2021 has banned several disposable plastic products such as plates, straws and polystyrene packaging, marks a major victory for ocean protection.
This legislative success is largely the result of Surfrider’s work, supported by data collected through its participatory science projects, including waste collections organised as part of Ocean Initiatives.
This data has helped to document the extent of plastic pollution, and Surfrider, in partnership with the Rethink Plastic Alliance, has submitted key amendments that have influenced the European Commission’s decisions. This breakthrough represents a key step in reducing plastic waste dumped into the ocean.
(for 2023)
23 452
participants
2 140 735
quantified waste
1 552 683
cigarette butts collected
71%
quantified waste consists of single-use items
To protect the environment and the Ocean
An Ocean Initiative is a concrete action that protects the environment while allowing you to enjoy time with family, friends or new people.
To become aware
Participating in an Ocean Initiative raises awareness of the issue of marine litter and helps educate those around you, with the help of educational tools provided by Surfrider.
To be part of the solution
Ocean Initiatives enable Surfrider to influence legislation and reduce waste at source, drawing on the participation of volunteers and information gathered on waste.
What we do
Our impact
Ressources
Take action
