Plastic Reduction
Keep our waterways clean and litter free!
Plastic pollution is one of the biggest threats facing our coastal habitats. Coastal Connections, Inc. is working hard to spread awareness about the harms of single use plastic on our coastal ecosystems, provide eco-friendly alternatives for them, and guide the public on how they can make simple life changes to reduce their plastic footprint.
Plastic Pollution Facts:
- 12.7 million tons of plastic enter our oceans every year
- 100,000 marine mammals and turtles, and 1 million sea birds die from plastic pollution every year
- By 2050 there will be more plastic that fish in our oceans
What is the Problem with Single Use Plastic?:
Human Safety
Plastic pollution poses a health threat to humans, as the fish/animals we eat consume it, and passes along to us.
Wildlife Welfare
Plastic is often mistaken as food by marine animals/sea birds, causing starvation from lack of nutrition. Animals also become entangled in plastic debris, causing birds to be unable to fly, and animals such as sea turtles to drown or lose limbs from lack of circulation.
Tourism/Beach Beautification
Coastal locations often rely heavily on their environment for tourism. If our beaches are littered with plastic, humans won’t be able to fully enjoy these destinations, and may be deterred, causing problems for communities that rely on eco-tourism..
What is Coastal Connections doing
Coastal Cleanups
We will be coordinating four quarterly coastal cleanups, plus hosting the International Coastal Cleanup event in Indian River County, throughout the year. Each cleanup will include a short presentation about plastic pollution, and a 30min-1hr cleanup session. At the end, all debris will be recorded in the app CleanSwell, where we can keep track of the type, amount, and weight of all debris we have removed from our shores. If you would like to request a special cleanup for your school or organization please connect with us
Refuse, Reuse, Recycle
We promote the use of reusable materials to reduce and remove single use plastics from our environment. CCinc is pioneering this effort in Indian River by providing reusable water bottles, shopping bags and straws. We ask you to join us in being more environmentally friendly by using reusable or ecofriendly straws, bags and bottles
Water Bottle Filling Stations
One of our future programs is to add water bottle filling stations to public locations, with a focus on parks and schools. With your help and donations, we can make this project a reality!
Get-A-Bottle, Give-A-Bottle
CCinc is promoting reusable waterbottles with our Get a Bottle / Give a Bottle Program. With every bottle purchased, we donate one to our local youth organization partners. Through these partnerships we will educate the public, especially our youth, on plastic pollution and how they can make a positive impact on our coastal habitats.
A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free (800-435-7352) within the State. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State.