Stay Plastic Free This July: Experts State Reusables Safe During Covid-19 Pandemic
Reusable Vessel Use During Covid-19
119 scientists from 18 countries say reusable containers do not increase the chance of virus transmission.
Polluting industries are using this vulnerable time to pressure governments to roll-back environmental protections. We cannot allow our reaction to the current crisis to compromise the longterm health of our communities and planet.
Click here to find out why disposables are not more safe than sanitized reusables and what we can all do on a local level to ensure that we continue to Rise Above Plastics and shift towards a circular economy!
Read our Reusable Vessel Use During & Following CV-19 blog by Chapter Manager Lilly Woodbury, here.
2019 Annual Report
A lot of critical data about our landfill and what has been sent there in the last year has been put together in this final report. In 2019, the WCL accepted 6,278 tonnes of municipal solid waste and construction and demolition waste, out of which:
84% comes from commercial and industrial sectors
16% comes from residents
Based on the current population growth rate of 0.9%, waste generation of 589 kg/capita and airspace consumption ratio of 470 kg/m3, the landfill will reach capacity in 2062.
To learn more, and read the report, click here. Surfrider Pacific Rim is running the Transparent Waste Education Program for the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District. Check out our FAQ pages to learn more about how commercial businesses and residents can improve waste management practices to decrease the amount of waste being sent to the West Coast Landfill.
Plastic Free July
ALL MONTH
Join millions of people reducing their plastic waste by refusing single-use plastics!
Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities.
Click here to learn more and take the challenge.
Wyndansea Remote Beach Clean
JULY 11 | 10:00AM
We are stoked to announce the first beach clean of our newly revised remote shoreline cleanup series for summer 2020! Stay tuned for news as our team comes together distantly on July 11th at Wynansea in Ucluelet for a full day of removing debris from coastal environments, sorting and logging data, and advocating for system change on plastic pollution.
Tips for Safe Solo Beach Cleans
1. Conduct cleanups in areas that aren't crowded so you can still maintain physical distancing.
2. Use caution when handling used face-masks and gloves if you find them.
3. Never handle PPE without gloves or trash pickers. Use a separate trash bag for them and dispose of them properly, to protect yourself and waste management people.
4. Always wash your hands after a clean-up.
5. Send us your cleanup data using the Marine Debris Tracker App!
Marine Debris Tracker App
On the 22nd of April we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day and the inception of the Marine Debris Tracker app here on the Pacific Rim for data collection used to inform policy change! Our community came together in a "virtual cleanup" along the MUP in Tofino, and participants download the app to record what was found that day.
A huge thank you goes out to everyone who sorted and submitted their data from their cleanups! This is a crucial step to providing the evidence we need for systemic change that prevents pollution at the source; promoting regulation, producer responsibility, and product redesign.
Download the app and start keeping track of all of your local beach cleans so we can work together in a data and science driven fight against the source of plastic pollution!
Double Your Impact!
We're excited to share the success of Clayoquot Biosphere Trust's Giving Catalogue, which has received $11,355 so far. With matching funding from the Vancouver Foundation, double this amount ($22,710) has been raised for west coast charitable organizations. The match from VF is capped at $15k total, which means that there's $3,645 left for matching.
Every little bit helps for supporting this incredible region's charities, who are dedicated to the people, environment and systems that make the coast thrive. We urge folks to make a donation now via the catalogue to double the impact!
Click hereto donate.
Celebrating SonBird’s dedication to the Coast
By Nicole Holman
New article contributed Westerly News celebrating all of the reasons the West Coast recycling centre has been able to continue operations during COVID-19 for curb side pick up and depot drop-off!
While cities across Canada and the United States have had to shift how they are managing their waste collection, SonBird Refuse and Recycling has been able to continue their regular service thanks to an open-air recycling depot and updated regulations. With the increase in recycling being generated during COVID-19, recycling services have become even more essential for ensuring the safety of terrestrial and marine ecosystems vulnerable to damage by mismanaged materials.
Click here to read more.
A Surfrider Pacific Rim Guide to Responsible Recreation
By Alys Hoyland
Check out our latest blog post as lockdown regulations cautiously begin to ease and many of us are eager to hit the beach. Stay informed and stay safe!
Click here to read more.
Ask about our open volunteer roles!
Communications and PR Lead
Events Coordinator
Memberships Lead
LYBC Lead
Or join one of these rad committees:
Media and Marketing
Volunteer Engagement
Ocean Friendly Business
Youth Environmental Stewardship
Hold On To Your Butt
Love Your Beach Clean
Rise Above Plastics Program
General Support Crew