Wildlife Conservation Society Launches 30-Day Plastics Challenge

In honor of World Oceans Day on June 8, the Wildlife Conservation Society launched a 30-Day Plastics Challenge for people to reduce the amount of plastic items that end up in our oceans, according to a press release.

To take part in this challenge, all you have to do is download a template and record how many times you do not use plastic by making simple lifestyle changes. Such changes include shopping with reusable bags, carrying a reusable water bottle, drinking directly from a cup without a plastic straw or lid, and refraining from using disposable razors. 

In addition to this challenge, the New York Aquarium is hosting a series of events to celebrate World Oceans Day, such as a beach cleanup at Kaiser Park in Brooklyn; the installation of the winning mural on the Coney Island Boardwalk; yoga classes on the Coney Island Beach; and more.

More than 1,700 people have pledged to take the 30-Day Plastics Challenge as of now. WCS will provide weekly email updates to check in and collect results from participants. At the end of the challenge, WCS will tally how much waste was avoided.

“Reducing the use of disposable plastics may be the single most important thing the public can do to save marine wildlife whether here in New York waters or on the other side of the globe,” Jon Forrest Dohlin, WCS vice president and director of the New York Aquarium, said in a statement.

Participants of this challenge can share their progress on social media using the hashtag #PlasticsChallenge. For more information, visit the 30-Day Plastics Challenge website.

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Main image: Graphic of the 30-Day Plastics Challenge
Courtesy Wildlife Conservation Society