This September marks the Marine Conservation Society’s 25th Great British Beach Clean. This takes place between the 14th and 17th, involving a nationwide effort in which thousands of people take part in organised cleans.
It’s a fantastic opportunity for us students to get more involved in helping the environment, without breaking the bank and before uni stress really kicks in!
Unfortunately, not all of us environmental warriors are blessed with living by the sea-side, but that doesn't have to stop you from doing your bit. So, here’s a list with something for everyone:
Join a beach clean
The most obvious solution, I know, but it still deserves a mention! Beach cleans are a fantastic way to make new friends and get involved with the local community, whether you do one in your uni city or back at home. Many universities even have their own Marine Conservation Societies!
If you’re not at a coastal uni: fear not. Why not take the opportunity to visit a home friend at a coastal uni, or get on Airbnb and make a weekend out of it?! Check out the MCS’s website to see where all the organised beach cleans are happening. There’s even a guide to organising your own – a great opportunity to get something down on your CV, too!
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Join a marine conservation society
As I mentioned earlier – lots of Universities have their own student-run Marine Conservation Societies. These are super handy for giving you more opportunities throughout the year to become involved in other beach cleans, sponsored sea swims and raising awareness. Anyone looking to do a ‘Gap Yah’ could even look into joining conservation projects abroad!
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Raising awareness online
This may seem like such a minor thing, but just by sharing informative posts on social media and talking to your pals about it, you’re contributing to cleaner beaches. Some people just aren’t aware of the impacts beach litter has on wildlife and by being proactive in telling people about stuff you care about, awareness will only increase!
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Mindful consumption
Paper straws instead of plastic ones, eco-friendly or chemical-free cleaning products, reusable water bottles, coffee cups and shopping bags will go a long way!
Simple changes can make a big difference, and using less plastic is hardly an inconvenience to you! Reducing your carbon footprint will not only help the environment but save on your house bills too. Every little helps for us poor students.
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Buy your seafood responsibly
Checking that juicy-looking salmon fillet for that sustainably-fished stamp of approval only takes a couple seconds but will make a big difference in the long run. Making an effort to avoid wild-caught fish and sticking to farmed ones will help to save the quickly depleting numbers of fish in the ocean. Plus, farmed fish is often much cheaper so there’s nothing to lose!
Increasing the variety of fish from the usual cod and salmon you eat will help, too. Try eating fish seasonably. Much like vegetables, fish have seasons so end up being imported from other countries throughout the year. This has adverse effects on fish populations worldwide.
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There are so many ways in which you can make a difference to the problem of sea litter; all it takes is a mindful attitude. So go out there, you brilliant ocean lovers, and make Sir David Attenborough proud!
Does your uni have a marine conservation society? Join the Student Hut Community today and let us know in our paid opinion panel.
