Thumbs Down to Plastic, Thumbs Up to Surfrider's Raptoberfest
The Surfrider Foundation and Rusty want you to Rise Above Plastics and join them in celebrating Raptoberfest. Because plastics do not biodegrade but gradually break down into smaller pieces, they harm the environment upon infiltration, killing millions of birds and animals annually. There are numerous things you can do to reduce your plastic footprint, so let Raptoberfest serve as your valuable resource this month.
The fest will share plastic-related facts plus tips on how to minimize plastic use throughout October. Participants are invited to share their own tips on reducing individual plastic footprints via Surfrider's Facebook and Twitter pages. Together organizers and participants can create a wealth of tips and knowledge to combat said evil material, plus contributors have the chance to win select Rusty gear.
Schooling readers on plastic's devastating impact on the environment and marine life, Raptoberfest poses the following three questions.
Did you know……that in certain places of the ocean, the amount of suspended plastic particles actually outnumbers ambient plankton?
…that approximately one million seabirds and one hundred thousand marine mammals die from ingestion or entanglement in plastics each year?
…that with the exception of a small amount that has been incinerated, virtually every piece of plastic that has ever been created still exists in some shape or form?
A list of "10 Ways to Reduce Your Plastic Footprint" is also posted on the site and offers practical ways to cut back on plastic waste. Plastic water bottle suspects, we're shaking our heads and fingers at you.
