Learn how to report plastic pollution using your phone 

The impacts of plastic pollution 

According to the United Nations, "plastic waste makes up 80% of all marine pollution and around 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic(about the same weight as 2 of the great pyramids in Egypt) end up in the ocean each year." There are currently about 50-75 trillion pieces of plastic and microplastics in the ocean.

By 2050, plastic will likely outweigh all fish in the sea. Plastic pollution is extremely harmful to marine life and ecosystems. Large pieces, like bags or fishing lines, can entangle and suffocate marine life, while smaller microplastics are ingested by marine animals which can cause internal injuries and suffocation.
 

This Plastic-Free July, learn how surfers can reduce their plastic consumption and report plastic pollution at your local surf spot. 

How you can help track plastic pollution using your phone

From plastic packaging to microplastics and fishing gear, plastic pollution comes in all shapes and sizes. And even the smallest forms have devastating consequences for surf ecosystems. 

At Save The Waves, we need your help to better track issues as they happen in real-time. 

Through our Save The Waves App, you can immediately report plastic pollution: take a photo, select the kind of plastic pollution and geotag your location. 

Data Partner Highlight: Till the Coast is Clear 

Till the Coast is Clear is a Community Interest Company from South Devon UK striving to make the world a better place - one piece of plastic and one happy soul at a time. They rejuvenate places and people by clearing shorelines of plastic pollution using special recyclable boats and a fleet of kayaks made from recycled fishing nets, all crewed by volunteers, from all walks of life.

Till the Coast is Clear uses the Save The Waves App to identify coastal pollution in the South Devon area for future cleanups. 

How Surfers Can Reduce Their Plastic Consumption 

By now, most surfers are conscious of avoiding single-use plastic bags and food containers. But we can also choose surf accessories and equipment that use less plastic.