Ahoy there landlubbers. Want to #TreasureYourRiver but not sure what kind of pirate you want to make of yourself? We've put together a quick quiz to find out just what kind of pirate you ARRRR. Let us know what ya get matey by sharing your results on social media.
Yer heart yearns for the sea but you've got a lot to learn on yer path to becoming a pirate. Litter is harming our ocean and that means less treasure and adventure in our future. 80% of the plastics in the seven seas comes from land through rivers and waterway - start small and choose your battles wisely - you'll have sails full of wind in no time.
Your tips are as follows matey:
1) Arrr you a tidy litterer? - The vast majority of us can say we would never, ever litter on purpose. Using bins that are overflowing, leaving packaging in ‘tidy’ locations (such as stacked neatly on a wall, or next to a bin) and dropping things like cigarette butts on the floor or down the drain are all common ways for litter to end up swimming in our waterways. Instead, it’s best to keep hold of any potential litter you have until a suitable and spacious bin can be found.
2) Watch what you flush - It’s not a great thought, but sometimes the things we flush down the toilet can end up floating down your nearest river. Things you’re not meant to flush (anything other than pee, poo or toilepaper) can cause blockages leading to sewage overflowing into our rivers and streets. Yuck! Some wet-wipes which are sold as ‘flushable’ can also cause blockages as they can take a long time to degrade, sanitary products and things like cotton bud sticks should also be popped in the bin.
3) Switch to reusables for smoother sailing - the best thing you can do to stop your single-use plastics from swimming with the fishes is to not buy them in the first place. Treat yourself to a reusable hot drinks mug, lunch container and water bottle. Shop around first to buy one you'll really love and treasure on the open seas.
Get more pirate-approved tips and join the crew.
You be binbeard! A pirate feared by many, wreaking havoc and striking fear into the hearts of men from the lochs of Scotland to just off Junction 2 on the M27. Sadly, yer first love be rum and not the sea, but you've clearly got your eyes set on great things. You realise the dangers of litter in our oceans but yer feelin' a bit unsure on how to make the most difference.
If you wanna be a true pirate and Treasure Your River here are some tips to help ye find yer sea legs:
1) Switch to reusables for smoother sailing - the best thing you can do to stop your single-use plastics from swimming with the fishes is to not buy them in the first place. Treat yourself to a reusable hot drinks mug, lunch container and water bottle. Shop around first to buy one you'll really love and treasure on the open seas.
2) Shop smarter matey - Be clever with your cash. You may find that you can avoid plastic packaging with daily essentials, things like shampoo and soap can be bought ‘naked’, and many shops now invite you to bring your own packaging to take products home in. If this isn’t possible, try to find packaging made from recycled materials which are easy to recycle locally.
3) Arrr you a tidy litterer? - The vast majority of us can say we would never, ever litter on purpose. Using bins that are overflowing, leaving packaging in ‘tidy’ locations (such as stacked neatly on a wall, or next to a bin) and dropping things like cigarette butts on the floor or down the drain are all common ways for litter to end up swimming in our waterways. Instead, it’s best to keep hold of any potential litter you have until a suitable and spacious bin can be found.
You're savvy with your pieces of eight. When you make a purchase, you treasure it, appreciating it's value. You're the kind of pirate who can appreciate the money saved for having your reusables (which also double as perfect vessels for carryin' yer rum). If you've not got one yet... well what are ye waiting for you scurvy-lovin' landlubber?!
Whilst the gold is important to you - you also know the value of our oceans and try to do your bit to keep them clean of litter. Here are some other tips from fellow recyclers:
1) Shop smarter matey - Be clever with your cash. You may find that you can avoid plastic packaging with daily essentials, things like shampoo and soap can be bought ‘naked’, and many shops now invite you to bring your own packaging to take products home in. If this isn’t possible, try to find packaging made from recycled materials which are easy to recycle locally.
2) Watch what you flush - It’s not a great thought, but sometimes the things we flush down the toilet can end up floating down your nearest river. Things you’re not meant to flush (anything other than pee, poo or toilet paper) can cause blockages leading to sewage overflowing into our rivers and streets. Yuck! Some wet-wipes which are sold as ‘flushable’ can also cause blockages as they can take a long time to degrade, sanitary products and things like cotton bud sticks should also be popped in the bin.
3) Get involved with a local litter pick - ye clearly care enough about the seas to consider joining a litter pick. If there are no #TreasureYourRiver litterpicks nearby you can find a crew by searching the internet (like a modern pirate), otherwise your local council may offer advice if yer lookin' to become a captain litterpicker too.
*Squark* Polly wants a wrapper. Polly wants a wrapper.
You go above and beyond the ranks of mere crew-hands and pirates. You have a birds eye view of the problems on deck and you take it into your own hands- er... wing? to solve them. Your bright, colourful and positive attitude inspires even the lowliest of seadogs, keep up the good work.
You realise that ocean litter is a huge issue - here are some other things to peck your way through whilst yer waiting on rest of the crew to join you in the crows nest:
3) Get involved with a local litter pick - If you're still a stranger to a litter pick, now is a time to get involved and you may find your true calling. If there are no #TreasureYourRiver litterpicks nearby you can find a crew by searching the internet (like a modern pirate), otherwise your local council may offer advice if yer lookin' to become a captain litterpicker too.