Together We Are Stronger
What do we do when someone tells us something we believed to be true is false?
That’s where we find ourselves now with our relationship with plastic. Plastic is great because we thought it made our lives easier, affordable, healthier…. and it just disappeared. Unfortunately, our plastic waste does not disappear. It doesn’t return to the earth in a neutral form – it only continues to pollute our water sources and soil like a disease.
So what do we do? We need large-scale change and now! We need a collective movement – by all working together to influence industries, policies and social norms – because we are all equally part of the problem and therefore all part of the solution.
Plastic Oceans Foundation is cause-driven and striving to change the world’s relationship with plastic. We aim to raise awareness of the new reality of plastic and change our social norms. The Rethink Plastic Movement has started and everyday more people are becoming aware of the reality that plastic is plaguing our environment like a disease. Though the number of people rethinking plastic is increasing, the industry, policy and habits are hard to shift from their current state.
“Rethink Plastic” is more than just a campaign. It’s a big transformational change where we are building trust, real communication, leadership and action. We want to deliver solutions and deepen connections between people and the cause.
One thing that is important to note is that all efforts – big and small – are to be applauded. Whether that’s a big corporation or municipality banning plastic straws, or an individual skipping the plastic bag at the grocery store, it’s all part of the solution and can lead to bigger change. Yes, can all do more? Of course, but change starts small. So let’s support even the smallest efforts, even from corporate conglomerations, not be afraid to ask for more, but to do so in a way that will encourage more.
We recognize the digital revolution and how it has altered the way communities and individuals interact and work together to create large-scale change. We are using media combined with action-driven initiatives to rally people together to change our relationship with plastic and act as a group in protection of our environment.
Novo Amor is building awareness with us through his creativity.
Therefore, we partner with industry leaders – such as Kate Somerville Skincare – that are rethinking plastic and holding themselves accountable to a new positive position on plastic. We will be announcing more partnerships in the coming months.
We will also be launching our “Rethink, Refill” program at the start of the Fall 2018 school year, which raises awareness of plastic in schools, but gets them actively involved in creating change.
We are collaborating with artists, musicians and other creatives that continue to retell the story of plastic in inspiring ways … to flip our bad habits to new improved social norms. Current examples include our collaborations with Carlos Vives and the UK’s Novo Amor.
These are just some of the many exciting initiatives and partnerships that are currently activated, and we look forward to creating and unveiling many more in the coming months.
Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are a powerful force for change. Come Rethink with us!