How You Can Support the Plastic Soup Foundation

In 2020, FLASKE became a Bronze Business Angel for the Plastic Soup Foundation. We've already donated over €5,000 and will continue to donate, 10% of profit to the Plastic Soup Foundation. That's not all; we're proud to announce that we've just upgraded to a Silver Business Angel. 

What does that mean? 

It means that thanks to the people who chose FLASKE, we're now able to increase our financial donation to the Plastic Soup Foundation and support its quest to eliminate plastic waste, clean the oceans, and protect our health.

'No plastic in our water or our bodies'

Aside from donating over €5,000 to support the Plastic Soup Foundation's projects, FLASKE wants to help spread the word about environmental change. So, as active supporters of the Plastic Soup Foundation, we thought it would be a great idea to share some of its achievements and introduce you to environmental campaigns that you can join.

Also Read: Why we support the Plastic Soup Foundation

How Can You Directly Support the Plastic soup Foundation? 

The Plastic Soup Foundation operates several environmental campaigns to raise awareness of the immense quantity of plastics consumed in modern society. It's programmes provide education on the ecological and health implications of plastic pollution. The Plastic Soup Foundation also push for legislation that will eventually eliminate single-use plastics. Here are some campaigns that you can join today!

Beat the Microbead 

Launched by the Plastic Soup Foundation in 2012, the Beat the Microbead campaign raises awareness of a specific type of microplastic that is often found in cosmetic products like shampoo and face wash. Since starting the campaign, over 400 brands have promised to eliminate microbeads from their products. Additionally, some countries, including the UK, France, Sweden, Canada, USA, New Zealand, South Korea and Taiwan, have already banned microbeads. 

Furthermore, the organisation carried out research to identify the types of microplastics present in cosmetic products so that consumers can make informed shopping choices. Thanks to this campaign, you and I can shop for cosmetics marked with the Look for the Zero logo, which guarantees that the product is microplastic-free. The campaign has also released the Beat the Microbead app which will list any known microplastics when you scan a product's list of ingredients. Neat!

How You Can Help

If you're looking for ways to help the Plastic Soup Foundation eliminate microbeads, you have a few options. Firstly, download the Beat the Microbead app and boycott any cosmetic products that contain microplastics. Secondly, share the campaign so that more people learn about microbeads and download the app. Thirdly, if you're able, consider making a financial contribution to the Beat the Microbead campaign.

Ocean Clean Wash

Ocean Clean Wash is another successful campaign operated by the Plastic Soup Foundation. This campaign raises awareness of the scale of ocean pollution caused simply by washing clothes. According to the campaign, up to 9 million non-degradable fibres are released each year in Europe just by washing clothes. Ocean Clean Wash tackles the problem in two ways. Firstly, by teaching consumers how to use their washing machines and choose their clothes more sustainably. Secondly, by collaborating with manufacturers to make washing machine products more eco-friendly.

How You Can Help

Take a look at the consumer solutions on the Ocean Clean Wash website. Here, you'll find plenty of information on habits that will make your laundry routine more eco-friendly and products that will reduce the number of microfibres released with wastewater. 

World Cleanup Day

On World Cleanup Day, people worldwide volunteer to pick up trash in their local area. Over 180 countries are involved and the Plastic Soup Foundation is responsible for organising events in the Netherlands. Volunteers for the event include school groups, local clubs, colleagues, and individuals. Along with collecting trash, volunteers are responsible for recording the item and the brand that made it, so that top trash producers can be held accountable.

How You Can Help

Sign up for World Cleanup Day on September 18th 2021, organise a group to collect litter in your local area, and download the Litterati app for recording what you find. You can still take part even if you don’t live in the Netherlands. Just get in touch with your country’s World Cleanup Day representative. Remember, this is an international effort. 

Also Read: Get ready for the Plastic-Free July EcoChallange

Trash Hunters

You don't need to spend the year waiting for World Cleanup Day. Trash Hunters is an international program that inspires individuals, groups, or local communities to pick up litter in their local area. This campaign goes a step further than regular trash-collecting programmes because collectors download an app that lets them record the object found, along with the location, material, and brand. The app uses the information to map littered areas and hold the producers and litterers responsible.  

How You Can Help

Download the Litterati app and go litter picking! You can either go as an individual or trash hunt with a group. By collecting litter before it reaches the sea and gathering data on common polluters, you'll already be helping the Plastic Soup Foundation.  

How Can You Indirectly Support the Plastic Soup Foundation?

Another way you can help the Plastic Soup Foundation achieve its goal is to reduce single-use plastics in your daily life. Many of the most common items that pollute the oceans, such as plastic water bottles, food wrappers, and disposable coffee cups, are completely unnecessary. You can also petition your government or local representative to implement eco-friendly legislation, such as banning microbeads or plastic bags.

If you share the Plastic Soup Foundation's aim; no plastic in our waters or our bodies, then it's time to ditch single-use plastics and microplastics for good. Check out the FLASKE Collection for more inspiration.