Current Initiatives
Surfrider Foundation
Vancouver Island Chapter
Surfrider Foundation Vancouver Island Chapter is a non-profit committed to preserving the island's coastal beauty through regular beach cleanups, with vivid announcements, involving partners from local businesses, engaging the communities. With passionate volunteers at its core, Surfriders tackle litter, debris, and plastic waste on the beaches. They play a crucial role in safeguarding marine life and ecosystems because every cleanup event with them is a socialization opportunity, it’s fun with music and snacks. Surfriders and Vancouver Island Brewery have collaborated on the Combing the Coast Beach Cleanup Program, sponsored by Vancouver Island Brewery's Beachcomber Summer Ale and Storm Watcher Winter Ale. This partnership supports Surfrider Vancouver Island's efforts to maintain clean beaches and encourage responsible tourism.
Ocean Legacy
Ocean Legacy is a non-profit addressing plastic pollution and marine debris with multifaceted initiatives. At the heart of their efforts is the Ocean Plastic Depot program, which collects materials from cleanup activities and marine debris. By offering an alternative to landfills and ocean dumping, they contribute to reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste.
Rugged Coast Research Society
Rugged Coast Research Society from Nanaimo partners with local businesses to protect and restore remote marine habitats. Through organized beach cleanups, they not only remove debris but also educate participants about responsible waste disposal. By collaborating with schools, communities, and organizations, they spread awareness and foster a sense of environmental stewardship.
The Coastal Restoration Society
The Coastal Restoration Society based in Sooke is distinguished by focus on removing ghost fishing gear and debris and coordinate remote beach cleanups. In addition to their practical cleanup activities, they are actively engaged in research and collaborate with the indigenous community, recognizing their unique connection to the ocean's health.
Vancouver Island Green Business Collective
Vancouver Island Green Business Collective provides businesses with a sustainability guide to enhance their environmental practices.
Marine Debris Tracker
Marine Debris Tracker is an innovative mobile app designed to track marine debris during beach cleanups. By logging event details and collected litter data, this app contributes to the monitoring and management of cleanup efforts.
Educational and Communication Campaigns
Each organization emphasizes educational campaigns targeting local communities, businesses, and tourists. The goal is to raise awareness about responsible waste management practices and the critical need to reduce plastic waste. Their collective efforts ensure that the message reaches a wide audience.
Partnerships and Ideas
During this project, we discussed with Surfrider Foundation and Ocean Legacy the potential for optimizing supply chains to remote communities with the valuable assistance of 4VI. The idea is for local businesses to reduce their environmental footprint, and thus actively participate in preserving the ocean and shore environments they rely on.
There are also efforts to engage tourists directly in responsible practices. Weekly cleanups can be designed to educate tourists upon arrival and involve them in maintaining clean coastlines. Collaborative efforts between Ocean Legacy and Surfriders can maximize the recycling of collected debris and enhance event promotion.
The Vancouver Island Green Business Collective's sustainable guide could be transformed into a responsible tourist guide, encouraging environmentally conscious behavior.
Notable events like National Cleanup Day and Earth Day offer platforms for impactful campaigns and partnerships to promote a cleaner environment.
Collaborations with waste management companies, roundtable discussions on best practices, and partnerships with local businesses are already in motion. The potential partnership with 4VI holds promise for educational campaigns, strengthened business connections, and active participation in cleanup events.