The Surfrider Foundation has successfully helped pass legislation to reduce plastic pollution at the local, state, and national levels for well over a decade. What makes Surfrider’s Plastic Pollution Initiative work so effective?
One key ingredient is the dedication and passion of our grassroots activist network who work tirelessly to implement solutions to improve their communities and the environment. Another major element is leveraging the expertise and experience of the geographically dispersed staff working closely with and supporting our chapters and student clubs to get things done.
But what’s the secret sauce that ties everything together? It’s seamlessly integrating both our programmatic and policy work to make meaningful and lasting changes to eliminate plastic pollution at the source. So, what does that look like?
1. Using beach cleanup data to make policy changes
Beach cleanups encourage people to take action, generate public awareness, and contribute to plastic pollution research by helping to influence legislation. By collecting data during cleanups, we can get detailed information about top littered items and use this data to determine and influence policies at local, state and national levels. So far this year, over 18,300 volunteers have removed 81,000 pounds of trash and recycling during 530 cleanups. Check out the recently released 2022 Beach Cleanup Report to learn more!
The Ocean Friendly Restaurants (OFRs) program recognizes restaurants that are committed to cutting out wasteful single-use plastic and offers a simple, straightforward framework to help them make sustainable choices for our ocean. Right now, we have 449 restaurants participating in 23 states and Puerto Rico. We estimate that on average, our Ocean Friendly Restaurants serve over 79,000 plastic-free meals a day. OFRs prove that a future is possible where using single-use plastic when dining is obsolete. They also help spread awareness and education. With the help of OFRs, we’ve successfully passed laws that reduce plastic utensils and single-use packaged condiments at restaurants in places like New York City.
Plastic Free July may be winding down but the work isn’t over! Here are a few ways to get involved with Surfrider’s work in both the programmatic and policy space!
- Attend a beach cleanup! Or conducting a solo cleanup is just as impactful. But don’t forget to log what you pick up to help support strong plastic reduction policies!
- Dine at an Ocean Friendly Restaurant. Find and support an ocean friendly restaurant or encourage your favorite local restaurant to become a part of this rapidly growing network!
- Take Action! Make your voice heard to help eliminate plastic pollution.