As I write this post I am enjoying some cold, refreshing water with my Zak reusable water bottle.
I will admit that I have used bottled water (plastic bottles). I try not to use plastic water bottles unless I have no choice. Take for example if I am out and run out of water and need something to drink. I have no choice but to grab a water bottle from a local convenience store.
Have you seen images of all the waste that ends up in our oceans? It’s HORRIFIC!
Did you know that every 3 seconds, 100,000 pounds of plastic waste is dumped into the ocean.
Read the above line again. ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND POUNDS OF PLASTIC WASTE!
The plastic waste consists of a lot of things (toys, laundry baskets, garbage cans), but A LOT of this waste is plastic bottles from water, soda and other beverages.
Marine life is severely affected by all this mindless waste. I have seen countless photos online and on television of creatures harmed by all of this garbage that is not only floating on the ocean surface, but it’s also reached the depths of the sea.
Today happens to be World Ocean Day (June 8, 2019). June is also World’s Oceans Month.
There is a new campaign going on right now, in honor of World’s Oceans Month called the 100K Initiative. The campaign was started by FOUND Beverage Company, in partnership with the non-profit organization, Oceana, the world’s largest ocean advocacy group. The campaign is also supported by the fashion brand, Les Girls Les Boys, who are donating proceeds from their Swim Collection throughout World’s Oceans Month.
“It is important to us to play an active role in helping protect our planet’s oceans and wildlife from plastic pollution as a beverage brand. We need to give consumers alternative and sustainable choices. With the 100k Initiative, we are delighted to support Oceana’s efforts & offer people a choice that can help protect marine wildlife.” States Co-Founder of FOUND, Mark De Luca. “Plastic bottles are the number one plastic dumped into the ocean. We want to use the 100k Initiative to change consumer’s behavior on single-use plastics, and to have more people and companies be aware of this issue.”
The number 100,000 represents the number of marine mammals that are negatively affected by plastic in our oceans (according to UNESCO). For this campaign, FOUND has developed 100,000 glass bottles of their naturally sparking infused water to represent this amount. They are using the sale of these special bottles to raise money for Oceana.
“We need companies to recognize that they are selling us products made of what is essentially a toxic pollutant. It is why it is critical that companies focus on reducing and not just recycling plastic. And, it is why it is crucial that consumers, citizens, universities, towns and other organizations be given plastic free choices rather than the false hope and guilt created by recycling.” Begins CEO of Oceana Andy Sharpless. “We hear constantly from our supporters and others that they want to reduce their plastic consumption but don’t know how because they don’t have easy choices. It is time for all of us to demand the companies and governments provide these choices and make real steps towards reducing plastic use to dissipate the future tsunami of plastic headed our way. We need to do this for our oceans and our future.”
To date, Oceana has already protected over 4.5 million square miles of ocean and the sea life that calls the oceans home. Considering that our oceans cover over 71% of our Earth, it is important that it is protected.
The special 100K Initiative FOUND bottles were designed by globally renowned artist Amit Greenberg in honor of World Ocean Month and World Ocean Day.
Together these organizations will be holding a pop-up in New York City commencing on June 10 that will enable guests to experience the campaign, learn about the work Oceana does to protect the marine environment, and purchase products that will raise money for the campaign.
The limited edition FOUND 12 packs of Elderflower & Cucumber Mint infused waters will be available for purchase online for $36 at drinkfound.com/collections/the-100k-initiative.
I was sent a pack of Elderflower flavored water. I love the bottles. I love their simplicity. The bottles are also well made. I wasn’t worried about them breaking on me when I took them to work.
I would have preferred to try the Cucumber Mint flavor. I have had other cucumber mint flavored products, and even cucumber mint hand soap. But that is OK. I like the Elderflower flavored water too. It’s a unique flavor that I found very refreshing. Even my co-worker liked the taste of it.
If you would like more information about FOUND, or the 100k Initiative. visit The100KInitiative.org. You can also follow @DrinkFound and @Oceana. The campaign will also be using hashtags #the100kinitiative and #breakfreefromplastic across all social media channels.
FOUND and Oceana would also love for you to join the 100K Initiative by pledging to use less plastic at HERE.
Do you use reusable water bottles?
What will YOU do to protect our valuable oceans? Feel free to comment and share your thoughts.
Kimberly
*I received free samples to review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.