Ep:40 Ghost Gear- From Waste to Wear with Jenny Ioannou
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Have you seen the images of whales dragging buoys wrapped around their tails? Or turtles entangled in ropes? These are examples of what is called "ghost gear," which are lost or abandoned fishing nets or gear that then aimlessly drift through the ocean, catching whatever comes into their path. Jenny Ioannou is with Healthy Seas, an organization dedicated to fixing this problem. Their work focuses on the retrieval of this pollution from the sea, prevention activities, and awareness building. And, once these materials are removed from the ocean, they work with partners to have them recycled and given a new life as a material called Econyl (used in a lot of today's sustainable fashion).
Highlights
- What is ghost gear?
- What kind of impact does Healthy Seas have on marine ecosystems?
- How does Healthy Seas contribute to circular economies?
What YOU Can Do
- Volunteer with or donate to Healthy Seas.
- Report abandoned fishing gear to your local authorities or ask for help from organizations like Healthy Seas.
- Throw away your trash in the proper receptacles.
- Do not cut your fishing lines and let them go into the water.
- Look for products made from Econyl. You can find all sorts of products from their partners on the Healthy Seas website. (It's important to mention that Econyl acts just like virgin nylon in that it also sheds plastic microfibers when washed. To keep those fibers from going into the water system, use a bag such as a Guppy Friend when washing them.)
Resources
Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it at https://forcesfornature.com/becoming-a-force-for-nature-free-guide/
Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!
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