This is an important thread. Every time there is a major cyclone,
hurricane, tidal wave, landslide... that hits land, I think about the stuff gets sucked into the sea.
For me, today's problem is actually tomorrow's nightmare.
someone asked, What can cruisers do?
Any ideas?
I mean this, does anyone have an idea that they would like to share? I'm sure there are some out there... floating about in the minds of you sea-lovers. if so, please speak.
And before the naysayer in some of you gets a hold of your fingertips, I'd like to tell you this: I've got this uncle who is basically a genius, an idea genius (solar
power inventions), and he explained to me that, in his company, he holds meetings where he asks his team for ALL IDEAS GREAT AND SMALL, STUPID AND ALL. He says that the best ideas come when all ideas are welcome.
I'll volunteer, brave girl I am. And PLEASE don't ask me who is going to pay for it.
Ok, remember Green-up Day? Or was this a sixties thing in Vermont? Does this exist for the sea?
When I go to the coast in Normandy (or wherever), I go for an early morning walks with two HUGE plastic bags and pick up plastic and only stop walking when the bags are so full... (sometimes I empty them and start again, but not always). While doing this years and years ago, I was thought to be odd and eccentric (I live in
France where we have lot of infrastructure, so this seemed odd that an individual would step up to the plate); but, with time, more and more people have thanked me and even joined me.
Let's imagine that coastal areas designate days during the year for this.
For me, the best moments during the year would be during the equinoxes and the solstices. It makes sense because this is beyond politics, religion and all of our human constructs. this is about our planet.
-From here, imagine that these Solstice/Equinox clean-up days is for all the
water (oceans, rivers, seas...). A big campaign in which people everywhere can opt to participate. We get media on board so that people everywhere will feel proud to make an effort. And of course, we'd need to get the plastic recycle and holding places on board... Oh my...
It is a major feat, but then again, i believe that many people actually enjoy collaborating for the greater good. Even the Pope mentioned how the planet is filthy. He might give a word or two... We can always ask.
-Imagine too, for the more and more cruisers that stop to pick up floating debris on any day... Could we imagine that there are drop-off points kind-a out there (big barges) where boaters can drop garbage they find (and their own)?
-Imagine too that we invent a kind of telescopic pole with a net (shaped to catch plastic bottles and bags - what we encounter out there). (I've actually made sketches) You set your tack and let someone take a shot at scooping it up. Hey, it's a new sport! Let's make a video!
-And imagine we set up a major plastic recycle centers right there in the center of each of the plastic islands... lots of stuff is on its way there anyhow.
Anybody here as brave as me?
Oh and yes, the problem is also at the bottom of the sea. The plastic bottles down there carpet the floor (there's a video out on it). I cannot dive anymore because of a problem in my ear, but wish i could...