When someone mentions that they live in Hawaii or that they are headed there for a visit, your mind is instantly flooded with photos of palm trees and sandy beaches. Maybe you think of a picturesque waterfall nestled in the jungle or even huge waves littered with tanned bodies on various boards. If this is what comes to mind, then you haven't seen the beaches that we have seen.
On the Big Island of Hawaii, located roughly 2 hours from Hilo, is a beach that is not easily accessible. Having a four-wheel-drive vehicle is necessary and having a lifted, four-wheel-drive vehicle is even better. You don't head to this beach for a day of sunbathing or surfing. You go for one reason, clean-up duty.
This beach, known as Kamilo beach, is literally covered in plastic. Not just big pieces either, that can easily be removed and taken to the local transfer station. No, the sand is slowly being replaced with nurdles, or the small, raw material that most plastic breaks down to become.
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Most of the items that we have removed from this beach, and others, are simple, single-use items that are used once and thrown away. Ever wonder where 'away' is?
There are many, amazing organizations out here that are trying to clean up these beaches and protect the local marine life. Hawaii Wildlife Fund and Sustainable Coastlines are two groups that have removed thousands of tons of plastic from the beaches of Hawaii. But, there is always more and it will slowly make it to those pristine beaches that we think of as being synonymous with Hawaii.
So, how can we help? One way is to use less single-use plastic. Start with one item, say a straw, and give yourself an achievable goal, say one month. For one month, bring your own straw with you, everywhere. Refuse any plastic straw that others try to give you. Be that friend who doesn't sit down at a restaurant without first requesting that your waiter skips any and all straws. You will find that it's not as hard as it may seem and you will spark conversations that will get others to rethink their single-use plastic consumption. Then ride that wave. Bring your own utensils, bags and to-go cups. Skip the produce bags and bring your own jars to the grocery store. It's easier than you think.
I would love to hear all of the ways that you have reduced your plastic consumption. Please comment below and feel free to leave any suggestions, as well.
