Can you spot the eagle ray in front of my board?
I found some advice everyone can do with:
“Don’t be overwhelmed by the problem, look at the positive things that we can do to make a difference”
Cal Major
It is so important not to solely focus on the demise of the environment, these problems are much bigger than any individual but we now have an opportunity to but to put emphasis on finding and sharing the solutions! Its easy to get overwhelmed, angry, depressed, etc. Environmental news effects everyone differently but I know reading bad news about the state of our environment makes it harder for me to see a positive outcome for the future. Feeling helpless is not going to get us anywhere and so I turn to nature to re-inspire me and give me energy to advocate for more future focused, sustainable practices.
My connection to nature and my personal mental health go hand in hand, I’m sure that its scientifically proven. Who doesn’t feel better when they spend time outdoors, enjoying nature? The stress starts to dissipate; you can be distracted from the chaos of the world by tuning into the waves or birds or crickets. Nature has a soundtrack that plays in the background, I think it makes it easier to hear your own thoughts and think more clearly.
I got an invite to see a film a few months ago from a SUP racing friend, Helen from SUPWell, to see a documentary style film which captures the essence of Cal Major’s ‘Paddle Against Plastic’ mission; an epic stand up paddle boarding adventure (a record setting paddle from Lands End to John O’ Groats) that highlights the issue of plastic pollution and promotes positive change. Cal connects with individuals and groups in some communities along her journey and not only organizes cleanups all along the way but also features simple solutions to tacking plastic pollution, ones that that we should all be proud and excited to be a part of.
I think seeing her film had a hand in giving me a little push to actually start a website myself since I thought her’s is so cool! Thanks Cal! I’d like to invite you to the screening of Vitamin Sea at Sir Peter Blake MERC, If you live in Auckland, that is… the film is co-hosted by City Sup and Starboard! The film screening lines up nicely with Mental Health Awareness Week and friend of mine has organized a screening of Cal Major’s film Vitamin Sea on September 25th, at the Sir Peter Blake Marine Education and Recreation Centre, which is where I work. We are really looking forward to connecting with the community and being a part of showing this film to others.
Another way you can take action is participate in an event on World Cleanup Day, this Saturday the 21st and it just so happens that I’ve organized one for Orewa Beach.
Cleanups alone can’t solve the problem of plastic pollution but by incorporating data on branded packaging, we can get to the root cause of the problem. Its no ordinary beach cleanup but a citizen science project known as a Brand Audit ! The cool thing about this is that the data we collect can help drive change. Let’s join forces with others around the world to collect some meaningful trash and advocate for change. You can find out more on how to take action with the global Break Free From Plastic movement by finding an event close to you or organizing your own #BrandAudit2019!
There is another thing anyone, anywhere can do to ‘Speak up for the Sea’ on the internet a support petitions in place to protect nature. This one is a petition to prevent a new fish farm from threatening the existence of a lot of other wildlife and natural habitat. It is one thing that only takes a minute to put your name to it to support others that are standing up for the sea too.
Don’t get overwhelmed and don’t settle for inaction, join my sEa-Mailing List (below) to get bi- monthly positive newsletters featuring reasons to have hope for the future and find out more about what you can do to stand up for the sea.
