The Heart Wrenching Plight of the Oceans
Oceans and seas are pivotal to our existence; covering 70% of our world, they bless us with the necessities of food, energy and water that keeps us going till our last breath on Earth. Despite knowing the reality, our oceans are choked with 8 million tons of plastic debris yearly, which equals a garbage truck every 60 seconds.
If we continue to live in a world of denial, by 2050 it is estimated that there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. It can take up to thousands of years for plastic to degrade and in most cases, it doesn’t fully decompose, instead they break into microplastics that are ruthlessly destroying the life that thrives below the water. It’s time we stopped hitting snooze on this alarming situation.
Global Efforts to Preserve Marine Life
The United Nations have laid down 17 sustainable development goals to encourage peace and prosperity for the people and the planet, now and in the future.
Out of these, GOAL 14 focuses on Life Below water playing a crucial role in the sustainable changes by countries who are now investing heavily in eliminating marine pollution as well as taking the much-needed steps to protect all marine life around the world. One of the key targets is, by 2050 - Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds.
Countries are combating the colossal wave of marine pollution in full swing with the Clean Seas campaign by UNEP. Launched back in 2017, to date 63 countries around the world have become signatories and are consciously taking adequate measures to eradicate the single use of plastic from their societies through stronger regulations.
Solving the Problem at the ROOT
While the entire world is coming together to protect marine life, studies suggest that we created 900% more plastic products in 2020 than we did in 1980.
In another study conducted by Dr Costas Velis from the University of Leeds, it is estimated that 1.3 billion tons of plastic will choke our environment - both on land and in the ocean by 2040. The researchers laid stress on the production, use and disposal of plastic around the world. In the research, they highlighted two scenarios for reducing plastic pollution:
- Upstream: Pre-consumption such as reducing demand
- Downstream: Post-consumption such as collecting and recycling measures
At Rey and I, we believe recycling is indeed one of the most effective ways to fight marine plastic pollution. With a heart beating for sustainability and a passion for luxury fashion, we are recycling marine plastic to design swimwear for men available across the globe. Slashing plastic usage we stick to keeping our packaging 100% plastic-free. Join the tribe of fashionable and responsible men, shop at : www.reyandi.com today!