Thank you for your support in 2009 of OceanHealth.Org and all of the great events that we have held to promote healthier oceans and communities. We need your help to make 2010 an even bigger success so we are trying to raise $2010 by January 20th, 2010. Please make a donation of $10 or more to help us to expand our education and advocacy efforts on behalf of the oceans.
We appreciate your support and are looking forward to a great year in 2010 with your help. Please be sure to check back for new programs and expansion of our current projects.
Our World Oceans Day event was our biggest yet with beach cleanups and film nights around the Bay Area. This year, we would like to have your support to make the events bigger and better. Your donation will go toward supporting our preparation during the next months.
Thank you again for your support and we look forward to sharing more news with you soon in 2010! Happy holidays and a wonderful new year to you all!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Get involved with the oceans this week! Coastal Cleanup Day and Obama Ocean Task Force
In June, President Obama declared that June be National Oceans Month and his administration laid out a plan for moving forward to protect our ocean resources. This was great news amidst all our World Oceans Day activities in June. Now September has rolled around and this month offers some great opportunities to get involved in shaping the future of our oceans.
On September 17, 2009, from 2:30pm until 6pm, the Ocean Policy Task Force Public Meeting will take place in San Franisco at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco at Embarcadero Center, Ballroom A, 5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA 94111 (near BART and MUNI Embarcadero Station). This is the second public meeting to accept public input on the issues set out in President Obama's Memorandum. You have an unprecedented opportunity to play a roll in setting the priorities for this administration and our marine resources.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/Press_Releases/September_1_2009/
If you are unable to attend the September 17th meeting, you can still submit your comments to the Whitehouse by visiting: http://www.whitehouse.gov/oceans Please be a voice to create and maintain healthy oceans by participating in the public process about the future of our oceans.
Several groups are planning a pre-meeting party and rally to prepare those of you attending the September 17th meeting. On September 16, please join ocean advocates at Baobab Village in San Francisco from 5:30pm until 9pm. Find out more details from the invite: http://www.oceanchampions.org/pdfs/OceanPartyInvite9_16_09FINAL.pdf
You can also get involved with the oceans this week by attending International Coastal Cleanup Day in your neighborhood. OceanHealth.Org will be a hosting a site at the Judah Street entrance to Ocean Beach in San Francisco from 9am until 12pm on Saturday, September 19th. If you're on Facebook, please sign up on our invitation (and while you are at it please become a fan of OceanHealth.Org on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/oceanhealth if you have not already). You can find out more details about our beach cleanup location by clicking this link: http://www.facebook.com/oceanhealth#/event.php?eid=55792934233
We hope that you can join us for all these great events! Thank you for your efforts to improve ocean health.
On September 17, 2009, from 2:30pm until 6pm, the Ocean Policy Task Force Public Meeting will take place in San Franisco at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco at Embarcadero Center, Ballroom A, 5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA 94111 (near BART and MUNI Embarcadero Station). This is the second public meeting to accept public input on the issues set out in President Obama's Memorandum. You have an unprecedented opportunity to play a roll in setting the priorities for this administration and our marine resources.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/Press_Releases/September_1_2009/
If you are unable to attend the September 17th meeting, you can still submit your comments to the Whitehouse by visiting: http://www.whitehouse.gov/oceans Please be a voice to create and maintain healthy oceans by participating in the public process about the future of our oceans.
Several groups are planning a pre-meeting party and rally to prepare those of you attending the September 17th meeting. On September 16, please join ocean advocates at Baobab Village in San Francisco from 5:30pm until 9pm. Find out more details from the invite: http://www.oceanchampions.org/pdfs/OceanPartyInvite9_16_09FINAL.pdf
You can also get involved with the oceans this week by attending International Coastal Cleanup Day in your neighborhood. OceanHealth.Org will be a hosting a site at the Judah Street entrance to Ocean Beach in San Francisco from 9am until 12pm on Saturday, September 19th. If you're on Facebook, please sign up on our invitation (and while you are at it please become a fan of OceanHealth.Org on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/oceanhealth if you have not already). You can find out more details about our beach cleanup location by clicking this link: http://www.facebook.com/oceanhealth#/event.php?eid=55792934233
We hope that you can join us for all these great events! Thank you for your efforts to improve ocean health.
Monday, June 8, 2009
World Oceans Day Film Festival Night 2 Update
Happy World Oceans Day! Just back from our WOD Film Fest at the Montara Lighthouse and it was great. We're so excited to have you join us this coming Wednesday in San Francisco.
Cannot say enough thanks to Ellen for all her work to make it happen, as well as the staff at the Montara Lighthouse Youth Hostel (stay there!) and the great members of the Surfrider Foundation San Mateo Chapter (please join and get involved locally!). If you made it out tonight, thank you so much for joining us!
June 10, World Oceans Day Film Festival
Wednesday, 6p doors open, 7p and 9p Films ($10 admission covers both sets of films)
Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th St., San Francisco, CA (Near Mission Street and 16th Street BART)
RSVP (not required but appreciated): http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=83358966876
Buy tickets online at http://www.victoriatheatre.org or at the door on June 10th. Your $10 ticket gets you admission for any or all of the films!
6pm: Doors Open and reception with local ocean nonprofits.
.
7pm: Short ocean films, including:
"Abridged"
"Favela Surf Dreams"
"Silent Snow"
"Papa Tortuga"
"Sand Dancer"
"The Fierce Humboldt Squid"
"Keeping Coast"
8:30pm: Discussion and Intermission
9pm: Feature Films:
"End of the Line" (23 minutes)
"A Sea Change: Imagine a World without Fish" (60 minutes)
"Tapped" Trailer (6 minutes)
View Larger Map
Cannot say enough thanks to Ellen for all her work to make it happen, as well as the staff at the Montara Lighthouse Youth Hostel (stay there!) and the great members of the Surfrider Foundation San Mateo Chapter (please join and get involved locally!). If you made it out tonight, thank you so much for joining us!
June 10, World Oceans Day Film Festival
Wednesday, 6p doors open, 7p and 9p Films ($10 admission covers both sets of films)
Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th St., San Francisco, CA (Near Mission Street and 16th Street BART)
RSVP (not required but appreciated): http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=83358966876
Buy tickets online at http://www.victoriatheatre.org or at the door on June 10th. Your $10 ticket gets you admission for any or all of the films!
6pm: Doors Open and reception with local ocean nonprofits.
.
7pm: Short ocean films, including:
"Abridged"
"Favela Surf Dreams"
"Silent Snow"
"Papa Tortuga"
"Sand Dancer"
"The Fierce Humboldt Squid"
"Keeping Coast"
8:30pm: Discussion and Intermission
9pm: Feature Films:
"End of the Line" (23 minutes)
"A Sea Change: Imagine a World without Fish" (60 minutes)
"Tapped" Trailer (6 minutes)
View Larger Map
Sunday, June 7, 2009
World Oceans Day Film Festival Update
We had two fantastic beach cleanups this weekend. The first in Berkeley at the Shorebird Park Nature Center was our first East Bay WOD cleanup and we definitely want to do it again next year. Today's WOD beach cleanup at Ocean Beach in San Francisco was well-attended and a huge success with hundreds of volunteers. Many thanks to everybody who made it happen and to San Francisco Surfrider, the National Park Service, Sunset Scavenger, the California Academy of Sciences, and the Aquarium of the Bay. Remember, you can go to www.sfsurfrider.org and sign up for information about their monthly beach cleanups all around San Francisco.
Please be sure to come out for some great ocean films this week to learn more about World Oceans Day and our oceans. We have a great lineup of short ocean films that are fun, informative, and thought-provoking. Looking forward to seeing you at one or both events!
June 8th, World Oceans Day Film Festival
Monday, 6:30pm-9pm
Montara Lighthouse, 16th Street and Cabrillo Highway, Montara, CA
Please RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=172640435149 or by email to eli@oceanhealth.org. Please be sure to RSVP because there is a 50 person maximum for attending this event.
Please join OceanHealth.Org with the Surfrider Foundation San Mateo County Chapter for the World Oceans Day Film Festival. To celebrate, we'll be screening short ocean films. We hope that you'll join us in this great location to share our love of the oceans and to view a variety of films showing perspectives on the ocean.
Event is free if you RSVP, but $8 donation for World Oceans Day is appreciated and will help support local ocean nonprofits.
6:30-7pm Reception
7-8:30pm Films
8:30-9pm Discussion
Short films include:
"Silent Snow"
"Keeping Coast"
"The Fierce Humboldt Squid"
"Favela Surf Dreams"
"Dubside"
"Sand Dancer"
"Abridged"
Cosponsored by:
Surfrider Foundation San Mateo County Chapter
View Larger Map
If you can, please take public transportation or carpool because there is limited parking.
Public transportation: From The Daly City BART station take the Samtrans 110 to the Linda Mar park and ride. Transfer to the Samtrans 294 and let the driver know you want to be dropped at the Pt. Montara Lighthouse stop.
June 10, World Oceans Day Film Festival
Wednesday, 6p doors open, 7p and 9p Films (Admission covers both sets of films)
Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th St., San Francisco, CA (Near Mission Street and 16th Street BART)
RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=83358966876
Buy tickets online at http://www.victoriatheatre.org or at the door on June 10th. Your $10 ticket gets you admission for any or all of the films!
6pm: Doors Open and reception with local ocean nonprofits.
.
7pm: Short ocean films, including:
"Silent Snow"
"Favela Surf Dreams"
"Papa Tortuga"
"Revolution of the Crabs"
"Sand Dancer"
"Keeping Coast"
8:30pm: Discussion and Intermission
9pm: Feature Films:
"End of the Line" (23 minutes)
"A Sea Change: Imagine a World without Fish" (60 minutes)
"Tapped" Trailer (6 minutes)
View Larger Map
Please be sure to come out for some great ocean films this week to learn more about World Oceans Day and our oceans. We have a great lineup of short ocean films that are fun, informative, and thought-provoking. Looking forward to seeing you at one or both events!
June 8th, World Oceans Day Film Festival
Monday, 6:30pm-9pm
Montara Lighthouse, 16th Street and Cabrillo Highway, Montara, CA
Please RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=172640435149 or by email to eli@oceanhealth.org. Please be sure to RSVP because there is a 50 person maximum for attending this event.
Please join OceanHealth.Org with the Surfrider Foundation San Mateo County Chapter for the World Oceans Day Film Festival. To celebrate, we'll be screening short ocean films. We hope that you'll join us in this great location to share our love of the oceans and to view a variety of films showing perspectives on the ocean.
Event is free if you RSVP, but $8 donation for World Oceans Day is appreciated and will help support local ocean nonprofits.
6:30-7pm Reception
7-8:30pm Films
8:30-9pm Discussion
Short films include:
"Silent Snow"
"Keeping Coast"
"The Fierce Humboldt Squid"
"Favela Surf Dreams"
"Dubside"
"Sand Dancer"
"Abridged"
Cosponsored by:
Surfrider Foundation San Mateo County Chapter
View Larger Map
If you can, please take public transportation or carpool because there is limited parking.
Public transportation: From The Daly City BART station take the Samtrans 110 to the Linda Mar park and ride. Transfer to the Samtrans 294 and let the driver know you want to be dropped at the Pt. Montara Lighthouse stop.
June 10, World Oceans Day Film Festival
Wednesday, 6p doors open, 7p and 9p Films (Admission covers both sets of films)
Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th St., San Francisco, CA (Near Mission Street and 16th Street BART)
RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=83358966876
Buy tickets online at http://www.victoriatheatre.org or at the door on June 10th. Your $10 ticket gets you admission for any or all of the films!
6pm: Doors Open and reception with local ocean nonprofits.
.
7pm: Short ocean films, including:
"Silent Snow"
"Favela Surf Dreams"
"Papa Tortuga"
"Revolution of the Crabs"
"Sand Dancer"
"Keeping Coast"
8:30pm: Discussion and Intermission
9pm: Feature Films:
"End of the Line" (23 minutes)
"A Sea Change: Imagine a World without Fish" (60 minutes)
"Tapped" Trailer (6 minutes)
View Larger Map
Sunday, May 31, 2009
World Oceans Day 2009 events in the San Francisco Bay Area
Here is an updated listed of all the OceanHealth.Org co-sponsored events for World Oceans Day 2009 in the San Francisco Bay Area.
World Oceans Day 2009 Events:
http://www.oceandaysf.org
June 6, World Oceans Day Shoreline Cleanup
Saturday, 9:45am-12pm
Shorebird Park Nature Center, 160 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94710
Please RSVP ASAP for this event at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=82912567897 or by email eli@oceanhealth.org.
Bring your reusable gloves (if you have them), then ride your bike, take public transportation or carpool to the Shorebird Park Nature Center for a quick orientation before we hit the shoreline to pick up marine debris.
June 7, World Oceans Day Beach Cleanup
Sunday, 10a-12p
Judah Street Entrance to Ocean Beach, San Francisco, CA 94122
Please RSVP http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=55915392141 or by email to eli@oceanhealth.org. This is a free event!
We expect a big turnout this year and are excited for you to join us. Please join the hundreds of Bay Area residents that are expected to turn out to rid Ocean Beach of marine debris, which diminishes our beach experience and poses a threat to wildlife and ocean ecosystems. What better way to celebrate the oceans that give us so much than by helping make it cleaner?
9:30am-10:00am Registration and Orientation
10:00am-12:00pm Beach Cleanup
12:00pm Wrap up and thank you!
Please join us at the Judah Street entrance to Ocean Beach in San Francisco. You can reach the location by the MUNI N Judah line or check 511.org for public transportation from your area. Biking is highly recommended. Carpooling is requested of those who must drive.
Gloves and bags are provided for the event, but you are welcome to bring your own work gloves or reusable bag for picking up marine debris along Ocean Beach.
Participants should dress in clothing appropriate for variable weather conditions at Ocean Beach. Weather can differ even from other locations in San Francisco so dressing in layers and checking the current weather conditions is important. Rain gear could be brought as a precaution.
Strong rain or severe weather cancels, but please call 415-342-7497 to confirm if you have any questions on June 7.
Cosponsored by:
The San Francisco Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation
California Academy of Sciences
Aquarium of the Bay
View Larger Map
June 8th, World Oceans Day Film Festival
Monday, 6:30pm-9pm
Montara Lighthouse, 16th Street and Cabrillo Highway, Montara, CA
Please RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=172640435149 or by email to eli@oceanhealth.org. Please be sure to RSVP because there is a 50 person maximum for attending this event.
Please join OceanHealth.Org with the Surfrider Foundation San Mateo County Chapter for the World Oceans Day Film Festival. To celebrate, we'll be screening short ocean films. We hope that you'll join us in this great location to share our love of the oceans and to view a variety of films showing perspectives on the ocean.
Event is free if you RSVP, but $8 donation for World Oceans Day is appreciated and will help support local ocean nonprofits.
6:30-7pm Reception
7-8:30pm Films
8:30-9pm Discussion
Short films include:
"End of the Line"
"Silent Snow"
"Keeping Coast"
"Favela Surf Dreams"
"Papa Tortuga"
"Revolution of the Crabs"
Cosponsored by:
Surfrider Foundation San Mateo County Chapter
View Larger Map
If you can, please take public transportation or carpool because there is limited parking.
Public transportation: From The Daly City BART station take the Samtrans 110 to the Linda Mar park and ride. Transfer to the Samtrans 294 and let the driver know you want to be dropped at the Pt. Montara Lighthouse stop.
June 10, World Oceans Day Film Festival
Wednesday, 6p doors open, 7p Films
Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th St., San Francisco, CA (Near Mission Street and 16th Street BART)
RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=83358966876
Buy tickets online at http://www.victoriatheatre.org or at the door on June 10th. Your $10 ticket gets you admission for any or all of the films!
6pm: Doors Open and reception with local ocean nonprofits.
.
7pm: Short ocean films, including:
"Silent Snow"
"Favela Surf Dreams"
"Papa Tortuga"
"Revolution of the Crabs"
"Sand Dancer"
"Keeping Coast"
8:30pm: Discussion and Intermission
9pm: Feature Films:
"End of the Line" (23 minutes)
"A Sea Change: Imagine a World without Fish" (60 minutes)
"Tapped" Trailer (6 minutes)
View Larger Map
Monday, May 25, 2009
Plastic Ocean: A Journey to the Pacific Gyre
Please join us on Wednesday, May 27, at the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco for a presentation about plastic pollution in the Pacific Ocean.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
6:30pm - 9:30pm
Aquarium of the Bay - Pier 39
The Embarcadero & Beach St
San Francisco, CA
RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=102665954127
An evening of education and networking about plastic with the team who saw it first hand: Dr. Marcus Eriksen, PhD, and Anna Cummins from the Algalita Marine Research Foundation and the JUNK Raft.
6:30 - Networking, plastic art, eco film shorts, visit the aquarium, drinks and snacks
7:30 - Program on Plastic in the Ocean
- Local Shorts (5 - 10 minutes)
- Kathleen Egan, Stop the Plastic Wave, SF Surfrider
- Eli Saddler, OceanHealth.org
- Linda Hunter, The Watershed Project
- Main Event (1 hour)
- Introduction by Mark Massara
- Dr. Marcus Eriksen, PhD, and Anna Cummins
- Q&A
Learn about what is happening in the Pacific Gyre and the Great Pacific Garbage Patch that is growing from plastic pollution.
Please RSVP as space is limited!!
Brought to you by:
Algalita Marine Research Foundation
JUNKride 2009
San Francisco Chapter of Surfrider
OceanHealth.Org
Aquarium of the Bay
The Watershed Project
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
6:30pm - 9:30pm
Aquarium of the Bay - Pier 39
The Embarcadero & Beach St
San Francisco, CA
RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=102665954127
An evening of education and networking about plastic with the team who saw it first hand: Dr. Marcus Eriksen, PhD, and Anna Cummins from the Algalita Marine Research Foundation and the JUNK Raft.
6:30 - Networking, plastic art, eco film shorts, visit the aquarium, drinks and snacks
7:30 - Program on Plastic in the Ocean
- Local Shorts (5 - 10 minutes)
- Kathleen Egan, Stop the Plastic Wave, SF Surfrider
- Eli Saddler, OceanHealth.org
- Linda Hunter, The Watershed Project
- Main Event (1 hour)
- Introduction by Mark Massara
- Dr. Marcus Eriksen, PhD, and Anna Cummins
- Q&A
Learn about what is happening in the Pacific Gyre and the Great Pacific Garbage Patch that is growing from plastic pollution.
Please RSVP as space is limited!!
Brought to you by:
Algalita Marine Research Foundation
JUNKride 2009
San Francisco Chapter of Surfrider
OceanHealth.Org
Aquarium of the Bay
The Watershed Project
Thursday, May 21, 2009
World Oceans Day Film Festival and Beach Cleanup
Just a quick update and summary of our June events for World Oceans Day celebrations in the Bay Area. We are really excited and hope that you will join us at one or all of the events.
World Oceans Day 2009 Events:
http://www.oceandaysf.org
June 7, Sunday, 10a-12p
World Oceans Day Beach Cleanup
Judah Street Entrance to Ocean Beach, San Francisco, CA
RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=55915392141
June 8, Monday, 6:30p-9p
World Oceans Day Film Festival
Montara Lighthouse, Montara, CA
RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=172640435149
June 10, Wednesday, 6p doors open, 7p Films
World Oceans Day Film Festival
Victoria Theatre, 16th St. & Mission St., San Francisco, CA
RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=83358966876
Buy tickets: http://www.victoriatheatre.org
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Oppose increased Hawaii swordfish longline fishing that endangers sea turtles by 5/18
If you have not already, please submit your opposition online to increased Hawaii swordfish longline fishing that harms sea turtles by May 18 by clicking: http://ow.ly/58tg Federal regulations are proposed that would increase the longline fishery for swordfish in Hawai'i. This unnecessary increasing in catching toxic swordfish will further threaten endangered leatherback sea turtles,whose Pacific populations collapsed to less than 10 percent during the 1980s and 1990s, and loggerhead sea turtles.
Please tell the federal government that even a few injured or killed leatherbacks and loggerhead sea turtles is too many when these populations are so endangered. The current plan could triple the number of deaths if it is not stopped and further risk sea turtle extinction in the Pacific.
Swordfish is known to contain high levels methylmercury (a neurotoxin that should be avoided) and other contaminants because they bioaccumulate ocean toxins brought up the food chain. Some restaurants will not even serve swordfish anymore because of tumors in the tissue and concerns about its health effects. The question is why risk harming critically endangered sea turtles to put poison on your plate?
Please act by May 18 with your comments to tell the federal government to that we cannot risk sea turtles for increased swordfish catches. Swordfish, along with many top ocean predators, have also declined dramatically and should be protected from overfishing, too.
Thank you for your support of sustainable oceans!
Please also join us in our 10 for Turtles Campaign! In honor of World Turtle Day on May 23, we are asking Twitter users to donate $10 or any amount to help Honu.Org in our advocacy efforts.
Simply go to http://www.honu.org, then click on the link at the top for a quick and secure donation. Please follow us on Twitter while you are at it: http://twitter.com/honu to get our updates.
Thank you again! Mahalo!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Costumed Crusaders Ask Bay to Breakers Runners to BYOB - Bring Your Own Bottle for Water, That Is.
Costumed Crusaders Ask Bay to Breakers Runners to BYOB - Bring Your Own Bottle for Water, That Is.
Anti-plastic environmentalist to promote reducing and recycling plastic during B2B 2009
Contact:
Beth Terry, FakePlasticFish.Com, cellular 415-260-2861, beth@fakeplasticfish.com
Eli Saddler, OceanHealth.Org, cellular 415-342-7497, eli@oceanhealth.org
San Francisco, CA – May 17, 2009 - Bay to Breakers hosts the "world’s largest footrace" annually with as many as 100,000 runners and can generate vast amounts of plastic pollution that harms our oceans. During the event, many participants opt for bottled water in single-use plastic containers instead of bringing their own reusable water bottles. This year, anti-plastic environmentalists are attending Bay to Breakers as costumed crusaders to remind participants to bring their own reusable water bottles and bags to the event rather than using single-use plastics.
“We want to remind people at Bay to Breakers to have fun, but leave harmful plastics at home,” said Beth Terry, Oakland anti-plastic blogger of FakePlasticFish.Com. “Plastics that end up on the beach or in the ocean are not fun for the wildlife that can be killed by swallowing them.”
Beth Terry has been collecting and tallying her plastic waste each week at FakePlasticFish.Com to bring attention to the issue of plastics in the environment and to show readers that it is not hard to find healthy, plastic-free alternatives.
Beth's costume, the Fake Plastic Sea Monster, is made of 2-years worth of collected plastic trash. Beth’s costume symbolizes how plastic has escaped the ocean and is washing across SF Bay to Breakers, wreaking havoc for sea turtles, fish, birds, and other marine animals! B2B participants are encouraged to spot the sea turtle being chased by the Fake Plastic Sea Monster and pledge to do their part to reduce their plastic consumption and help solve the problem of plastics in our environment.
“The truth is convenience kills and plastic is especially deadly to endangered sea turtles,” said Eli Saddler, Executive Director of OceanHealth.Org. Mr. Saddler added, “Today’s convenient plastic item could end up in the stomach of a sea turtle tomorrow so we hope a race that ends at the ocean will remind people of our responsibilities to the ocean and about reducing marine debris.”
Eli Saddler, the Executive Director of OceanHealth.Org, will be in his leatherback sea turtle costume and doing his best to evade the Fake Plastic Sea Monster. Eli’s sea turtle costume was made from recycled plastic bottles and other reused materials to promote the idea that recycling and reuse are vital to protecting endangered sea turtles and other wildlife from plastic marine debris. In the past 20 years, leatherback sea turtles in the Pacific, including those near the coasts of the Bay Area, have declined by 95 percent. A recent study found that one-third of all dead leatherback sea turtles had ingested plastic.
Plastic Bottle Facts:
• Plastic bottle caps are one of the most common kinds of beach debris found and can be deadly when swallowed by wildlife.
• Nearly seven times as much water is used to make the bottle than you actually drink.
• Making bottles to meet Americans’ demand for bottled water requires more than 17 million barrels of oil annually, enough to fuel more than 1 million U.S. cars for a year.
• Over 85 percent of water bottles are not recycled and wind up in landfills where it takes thousands of years for the plastic to decompose.
• Bottled water can cost up to 10,000 times more per gallon than tap water.
• Global consumption of bottled water reached 154 billion liters (41 billion gallons) in 2004.
• Americans drank 26 billion liters in 2004 or about one 8-ounce glass per person every day.
• Buried water bottles can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade.
###
About OceanHealth.Org: OceanHealth.Org (Ocean Health Institute) is a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization that promotes healthy, sustainable oceans and public health protection from ocean-based threats. In addition to work educating consumers about taking action to reduce plastic use, OceanHealth.Org promotes sustainable seafood consumption and endangered marine species protection through scientific research, educational activities, and advocacy efforts. http://www.oceanhealth.org
About Fake Plastic Fish: Beth Terry is an Oakland resident and the author of a blog about plastics called, “Fake Plastic Fish.” For almost two years, Beth has been chronicling her efforts to reduce plastic in her life and providing insight into how readers can eliminate, reduce, and recycle plastic in their lives. Her website is http://www.fakeplasticfish.com.
Anti-plastic environmentalist to promote reducing and recycling plastic during B2B 2009
Contact:
Beth Terry, FakePlasticFish.Com, cellular 415-260-2861, beth@fakeplasticfish.com
Eli Saddler, OceanHealth.Org, cellular 415-342-7497, eli@oceanhealth.org
San Francisco, CA – May 17, 2009 - Bay to Breakers hosts the "world’s largest footrace" annually with as many as 100,000 runners and can generate vast amounts of plastic pollution that harms our oceans. During the event, many participants opt for bottled water in single-use plastic containers instead of bringing their own reusable water bottles. This year, anti-plastic environmentalists are attending Bay to Breakers as costumed crusaders to remind participants to bring their own reusable water bottles and bags to the event rather than using single-use plastics.
“We want to remind people at Bay to Breakers to have fun, but leave harmful plastics at home,” said Beth Terry, Oakland anti-plastic blogger of FakePlasticFish.Com. “Plastics that end up on the beach or in the ocean are not fun for the wildlife that can be killed by swallowing them.”
Beth Terry has been collecting and tallying her plastic waste each week at FakePlasticFish.Com to bring attention to the issue of plastics in the environment and to show readers that it is not hard to find healthy, plastic-free alternatives.
Beth's costume, the Fake Plastic Sea Monster, is made of 2-years worth of collected plastic trash. Beth’s costume symbolizes how plastic has escaped the ocean and is washing across SF Bay to Breakers, wreaking havoc for sea turtles, fish, birds, and other marine animals! B2B participants are encouraged to spot the sea turtle being chased by the Fake Plastic Sea Monster and pledge to do their part to reduce their plastic consumption and help solve the problem of plastics in our environment.
“The truth is convenience kills and plastic is especially deadly to endangered sea turtles,” said Eli Saddler, Executive Director of OceanHealth.Org. Mr. Saddler added, “Today’s convenient plastic item could end up in the stomach of a sea turtle tomorrow so we hope a race that ends at the ocean will remind people of our responsibilities to the ocean and about reducing marine debris.”
Eli Saddler, the Executive Director of OceanHealth.Org, will be in his leatherback sea turtle costume and doing his best to evade the Fake Plastic Sea Monster. Eli’s sea turtle costume was made from recycled plastic bottles and other reused materials to promote the idea that recycling and reuse are vital to protecting endangered sea turtles and other wildlife from plastic marine debris. In the past 20 years, leatherback sea turtles in the Pacific, including those near the coasts of the Bay Area, have declined by 95 percent. A recent study found that one-third of all dead leatherback sea turtles had ingested plastic.
Plastic Bottle Facts:
• Plastic bottle caps are one of the most common kinds of beach debris found and can be deadly when swallowed by wildlife.
• Nearly seven times as much water is used to make the bottle than you actually drink.
• Making bottles to meet Americans’ demand for bottled water requires more than 17 million barrels of oil annually, enough to fuel more than 1 million U.S. cars for a year.
• Over 85 percent of water bottles are not recycled and wind up in landfills where it takes thousands of years for the plastic to decompose.
• Bottled water can cost up to 10,000 times more per gallon than tap water.
• Global consumption of bottled water reached 154 billion liters (41 billion gallons) in 2004.
• Americans drank 26 billion liters in 2004 or about one 8-ounce glass per person every day.
• Buried water bottles can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade.
###
About OceanHealth.Org: OceanHealth.Org (Ocean Health Institute) is a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization that promotes healthy, sustainable oceans and public health protection from ocean-based threats. In addition to work educating consumers about taking action to reduce plastic use, OceanHealth.Org promotes sustainable seafood consumption and endangered marine species protection through scientific research, educational activities, and advocacy efforts. http://www.oceanhealth.org
About Fake Plastic Fish: Beth Terry is an Oakland resident and the author of a blog about plastics called, “Fake Plastic Fish.” For almost two years, Beth has been chronicling her efforts to reduce plastic in her life and providing insight into how readers can eliminate, reduce, and recycle plastic in their lives. Her website is http://www.fakeplasticfish.com.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
World Oceans Day June 2009 in the Bay Area
This will be our third World Oceans Day series of events and we could not be more excited about all the events that will be happening. This is also the first year that the United Nations has declared June 8 as World Oceans Day, an official holiday to celebrate the oceans. In 2008, the City of San Francisco declared June 8 World Oceans Day and we were proud to promote that effort. At a time when our oceans need us the most, people across the world are getting more engaged with ocean issues. We are glad to share the following events with you and hope that you will keep checking back for more as events are finalized. More to come soon!
World Oceans Day Film Festival, June 4-12, 2009
As a reminder, we are still accepting submissions of short ocean-related films through the end of May for our World Oceans Day Film Festival. Please email eli@oceanhealth.org for details. Any film of any style with a connection to oceans, coasts, or islands will be considered. We are especially looking for comedy, animated, and action sports films that celebrate the oceans. Stay tuned for a listing of all the venues where we will screen our program of short ocean films. Filmmakers, please contact us about how to submit your film. Submission is free and online submissions are encouraged.
June 7th, World Oceans Day Beach Cleanup at Ocean Beach in San Francisco
Please RSVP to help us have a head count: http://tinyurl.com/WODoceanbeach or by email to eli@oceanhealth.org. This is a free event!
We expect a big turnout this year and are excited for you to join us. Please join the hundreds of Bay Area residents that are expected to turn out to rid Ocean Beach of marine debris, which diminishes our beach experience and poses a threat to wildlife and ocean ecosystems. What better way to celebrate the oceans that give us so much than by helping make it cleaner?
Judah Street and Great Highway
San Francisco, CA 94122
View Larger Map
9:30am-10:00am Registration and Orientation
10:00am-12:00pm Beach Cleanup
12:00pm Wrap up and thank you!
Please join us at the Judah Street entrance to Ocean Beach in San Francisco. You can reach the location by the MUNI N Judah line or check 511.org for public transportation from your area. Biking is highly recommended. Carpooling is requested of those who must drive.
Gloves and bags are provided for the event, but you are welcome to bring your own work gloves or reusable bag for picking up marine debris along Ocean Beach.
Participants should dress in clothing appropriate for variable weather conditions at Ocean Beach. Weather can differ even from other locations in San Francisco so dressing in layers and checking the current weather conditions is important. Rain gear could be brought as a precaution.
Strong rain or severe weather cancels, but please call 415-342-7497 to confirm if you have any questions on June 7.
June 8th, World Oceans Day Film Festival
Montara Lighthouse, 16th Street and Cabrillo Highway, Montara, CA
Please RSVP: http://tinyurl.com/WODmontara or by email to eli@oceanhealth.org. Please be sure to RSVP because there is a 50 person maximum for attending this event.
Please join OceanHealth.Org for World Oceans Day. To celebrate, we'll be screening short ocean films. We hope that you'll join us in this great location to share our love of the oceans and to view a variety of films showing perspectives on the ocean.
Event is free if you RSVP, but $8 donation for World Oceans Day is appreciated and will help support local ocean nonprofits.
6:30-7pm Reception
7-8:30pm Films
8:30-9pm Discussion
View Larger Map
If you can, please take public transportation or carpool because there is limited parking.
Public transportation: From The Daly City BART station take the Samtrans 110 to the Linda Mar park and ride. Transfer to the Samtrans 294 and let the driver know you want to be dropped at the Pt. Montara Lighthouse stop.
Stay Tuned for More Event Announcements! Check out http://www.oceandaysf.org for related events.
World Oceans Day Film Festival, June 4-12, 2009
As a reminder, we are still accepting submissions of short ocean-related films through the end of May for our World Oceans Day Film Festival. Please email eli@oceanhealth.org for details. Any film of any style with a connection to oceans, coasts, or islands will be considered. We are especially looking for comedy, animated, and action sports films that celebrate the oceans. Stay tuned for a listing of all the venues where we will screen our program of short ocean films. Filmmakers, please contact us about how to submit your film. Submission is free and online submissions are encouraged.
June 7th, World Oceans Day Beach Cleanup at Ocean Beach in San Francisco
Please RSVP to help us have a head count: http://tinyurl.com/WODoceanbeach or by email to eli@oceanhealth.org. This is a free event!
We expect a big turnout this year and are excited for you to join us. Please join the hundreds of Bay Area residents that are expected to turn out to rid Ocean Beach of marine debris, which diminishes our beach experience and poses a threat to wildlife and ocean ecosystems. What better way to celebrate the oceans that give us so much than by helping make it cleaner?
Judah Street and Great Highway
San Francisco, CA 94122
View Larger Map
9:30am-10:00am Registration and Orientation
10:00am-12:00pm Beach Cleanup
12:00pm Wrap up and thank you!
Please join us at the Judah Street entrance to Ocean Beach in San Francisco. You can reach the location by the MUNI N Judah line or check 511.org for public transportation from your area. Biking is highly recommended. Carpooling is requested of those who must drive.
Gloves and bags are provided for the event, but you are welcome to bring your own work gloves or reusable bag for picking up marine debris along Ocean Beach.
Participants should dress in clothing appropriate for variable weather conditions at Ocean Beach. Weather can differ even from other locations in San Francisco so dressing in layers and checking the current weather conditions is important. Rain gear could be brought as a precaution.
Strong rain or severe weather cancels, but please call 415-342-7497 to confirm if you have any questions on June 7.
June 8th, World Oceans Day Film Festival
Montara Lighthouse, 16th Street and Cabrillo Highway, Montara, CA
Please RSVP: http://tinyurl.com/WODmontara or by email to eli@oceanhealth.org. Please be sure to RSVP because there is a 50 person maximum for attending this event.
Please join OceanHealth.Org for World Oceans Day. To celebrate, we'll be screening short ocean films. We hope that you'll join us in this great location to share our love of the oceans and to view a variety of films showing perspectives on the ocean.
Event is free if you RSVP, but $8 donation for World Oceans Day is appreciated and will help support local ocean nonprofits.
6:30-7pm Reception
7-8:30pm Films
8:30-9pm Discussion
View Larger Map
If you can, please take public transportation or carpool because there is limited parking.
Public transportation: From The Daly City BART station take the Samtrans 110 to the Linda Mar park and ride. Transfer to the Samtrans 294 and let the driver know you want to be dropped at the Pt. Montara Lighthouse stop.
Stay Tuned for More Event Announcements! Check out http://www.oceandaysf.org for related events.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Stop Offshore Drilling - April 16, 2009, San Francisco
OceanHealth.Org will be joining a coalition of environmental groups and concerned citizens who will speak out against plans to open our coasts to offshore oil drilling and in support of responsible renewable energy.
Last-minute Bush Administration efforts to end a moratorium on offshore oil drilling are under review on a national basis. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will host a public meeting in San Francisco to present the Interior's findings on Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) energy resources and potential environmental impacts from their development. The Secretary will also hear comments from public officials, interested organizations, advocacy groups, and private citizens.
You can make a difference by voicing your opinions at the meeting, which will be from 8AM until 8PM on Thursday, April 16. If you can only make it for part of the day, please join the lunchtime rally from 12pm-1pm to encourage the Obama Administration to do the right thing by our oceans and to secure a sustainable energy future for the US.
Please come to:
University of California San Francisco - Mission Bay Conference Center
Robertson Auditorium, 1675 Owens Street, San Francisco, CA 94158
Learn more by visiting: www.nottheanswer.org
The 2007 Cosco Busan oil spill in the San Francisco Bay mobilized hundreds of volunteers to participate in cleanup efforts. To avoid future disasters, we are rallying the public again to speak out about the risks of coastal oil drilling and to support alternatives that will be better for our oceans and the environment without contributing to global warming.
If you can't attend the meeting, then you can submit your comments between now and September 21. For more information on how to submit a comment online, please visit: http://www.mms.gov/5-year/2010-2015DPPComments.htm
Through the Surfrider Foundation's website, you can also send your comments to Secretary Salazar, President Obama and your elected officials: http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/not_the_answer_03_09
Last-minute Bush Administration efforts to end a moratorium on offshore oil drilling are under review on a national basis. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will host a public meeting in San Francisco to present the Interior's findings on Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) energy resources and potential environmental impacts from their development. The Secretary will also hear comments from public officials, interested organizations, advocacy groups, and private citizens.
You can make a difference by voicing your opinions at the meeting, which will be from 8AM until 8PM on Thursday, April 16. If you can only make it for part of the day, please join the lunchtime rally from 12pm-1pm to encourage the Obama Administration to do the right thing by our oceans and to secure a sustainable energy future for the US.
Please come to:
University of California San Francisco - Mission Bay Conference Center
Robertson Auditorium, 1675 Owens Street, San Francisco, CA 94158
Learn more by visiting: www.nottheanswer.org
The 2007 Cosco Busan oil spill in the San Francisco Bay mobilized hundreds of volunteers to participate in cleanup efforts. To avoid future disasters, we are rallying the public again to speak out about the risks of coastal oil drilling and to support alternatives that will be better for our oceans and the environment without contributing to global warming.
If you can't attend the meeting, then you can submit your comments between now and September 21. For more information on how to submit a comment online, please visit: http://www.mms.gov/5-year/2010-2015DPPComments.htm
Through the Surfrider Foundation's website, you can also send your comments to Secretary Salazar, President Obama and your elected officials: http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/not_the_answer_03_09
Sunday, March 22, 2009
World Ocean Day Film Festival, June 5-8, 2009
OceanHealth.Org and partner organizations will be hosting our Third Annual World Ocean Day in the San Francisco Bay Area from June 5-8, 2009.
As part of the celebrations, we are putting out a call for entries for our World Ocean Day Film Festival, which will feature short ocean films and will be shown around the Bay Area over the course of the festivities.
If you are a film maker or know of a film that you want to recommend, please contact us as soon as possible at eli@oceanhealth.org. You can also see our online festival listing: http://www.openfilm.com/filmfestivals/1350/
Any film related to the oceans is welcomed for submission. Awards for audience favorites!
Please be part of our growing World Ocean Day festival and help us share your films about the oceans around the Bay Area.
Keep your eye out for more details about Bay Area activities, which includes films, parties, and beach cleanups for the oceans!
As part of the celebrations, we are putting out a call for entries for our World Ocean Day Film Festival, which will feature short ocean films and will be shown around the Bay Area over the course of the festivities.
If you are a film maker or know of a film that you want to recommend, please contact us as soon as possible at eli@oceanhealth.org. You can also see our online festival listing: http://www.openfilm.com/filmfestivals/1350/
Any film related to the oceans is welcomed for submission. Awards for audience favorites!
Please be part of our growing World Ocean Day festival and help us share your films about the oceans around the Bay Area.
Keep your eye out for more details about Bay Area activities, which includes films, parties, and beach cleanups for the oceans!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Love the Ocean: Use Less Plastic
On Valentine's Day, please love the ocean and use less plastic!
OceanHealth.Org has been promoting a campaign on Facebook for about a month to encourage Valentine's Day shoppers to bring their reusable bags on this major consumer holiday. Please click to "attend" and RSVP to show your support http://tinyurl.com/lovetheocean.
OceanHealth.Org encourages you to show your love for that special someone in your life and the ocean on this Valentine's Day.
Seven Suggestions on How You Can Love the Ocean and Use Less Plastic on Valentine's Day:
1. Bring your reusable bag when you go shopping and/or say "no" when offered a plastic bag.
2. Pick a non-plastic gift to show your love. Really, is plastic the way to say, "I love you"?
3. How about wrapping your gift in a reusable shopping bag? OceanHealth.Org has a lovely bag with the logo for this campaign if you'd like one.
4. If you live near the ocean, take the time to visit and have a romantic walk on the beach, go surfing, go wildlife watching, or just to watch the sun set. Maybe even take a couple of minutes to pick up some marine debris while you're there or to even join a beach cleanup that weekend (check your local Surfrider for info: www.surfrider.org).
5. If you go out to dinner, remember to order only sustainable seafood (if you order it at all) and bring your own container for leftovers. You can save a plastic bag and other waste if you have your reusable bag and containers with you.
6. Consider donating on behalf of your love to the ocean charity of your choice. OceanHealth.Org would love you dearly for a donation to help our organization grow.
7. Share this event with your friends all over the world to spread the word.
The ocean thanks you and loves you back. ;-)
So if you're inspired (and we hope that you are), please keep up the spirit all year long and learn more about your oceans and how plastics are impacting our environment.
If you're here in the San Francisco area, the San Francisco Chapter of Surfrider Foundation is hosting a beach cleanup on Ocean Beach on Sunday, February 15, at 10 AM. Please check their website for details and upcoming beach cleanups.
If you'd like to learn more about how you can reduce plastics in your life, please check out one of my favorite blogs, Fake Plastic Fish.
Be sure to check out Surfrider's Rise Above Plastics campaign and sign up for their Plastics Pledge.
If you are looking for other ways to show your love for the oceans, then visit ThankYouOcean.Org. You can find lots of information, as well as link with ocean groups.
Oh, and if you're looking for a last minute Valentine's Day gift and you're in the Bay Area. Go online and buy a ticket for next week's San Francisco Ocean Film Festival.
* If you like the artwork for this campaign, please visit Karen Roze at Sacred Rose Tattoo in Berkeley, CA. Digital rendering by Giotto at Babyfaced Productions.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Plastic pollution on your seafood plate
ABC Report: Plastic pollution entering the food chain as fish gobble up the Great Garbage Patch in the Pacific Ocean
Increasingly, fish are being discovered with toxic plastic in their stomachs as researchers investigate the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Plastics attract other chemical pollutants that are getting into the food chain. We were already concerned about mercury and other contaminants in bigger fish, but even smaller fish are mistaking plastic for food. With more plastic than plankton in some parts of the ocean, our oceans are increasingly unhealthy. Pick your seafood wisely and avoid the most polluted and unsustainable fish.
Remember to show your love for the ocean and use less plastic! http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=42931894006
Increasingly, fish are being discovered with toxic plastic in their stomachs as researchers investigate the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Plastics attract other chemical pollutants that are getting into the food chain. We were already concerned about mercury and other contaminants in bigger fish, but even smaller fish are mistaking plastic for food. With more plastic than plankton in some parts of the ocean, our oceans are increasingly unhealthy. Pick your seafood wisely and avoid the most polluted and unsustainable fish.
Remember to show your love for the ocean and use less plastic! http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=42931894006
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