In a move to combat plastic pollution, ocean plastic recycling brand Waterhaul is launching its ‘Money for Old Rope’ initiative and inspiring the nation’s beachgoers to give plastic ‘waste’ a value.
This nationwide campaign incentivises individuals and organisations to actively participate in cleaning up our waterways and coastlines, rewarding a £20 Waterhaul eyewear gift voucher for every collection of discarded ‘ghost’ fishing gear – the most abundant and harmful form of marine plastic pollution.
‘How differently would you behave if instead of plastic, it was £20 notes littering our ocean and washing onto our shores?’ asked Harry Dennis, founder of Waterhaul. ‘The root cause of this plastic problem is that it is seen to be worthless ‘waste’. At Waterhaul, we give value and purpose to this plastic by recovering, recycling and repurposing it. That value incentivises positive actions – and that is what we’re putting into action with our ‘Money For Old Rope’ initiative.’
The scheme, and Waterhaul’s recycling process, focuses on ‘ghost gear’; lost or abandoned fishing gear and equipment. It is the most lethal form of marine plastic pollution and one of the most common forms of plastic found on UK beaches.
Here is how it works:
1. Register online: visit the Waterhaul website at www.waterhaul.co/pages/moneyforoldrope and sign up for the ‘Money for Old Rope’ campaign.
2. Clean your beach: organise a beach clean up with friends, family, or your local community group, or simply collect any discarded fishing gear you encounter while enjoying the outdoors. Even a handful of collected gear qualifies!
3. Share your impact: post a photo or selfie of you and your haul on social media making sure you tag Waterhaul (@waterhaul) and #Moneyforoldrope.
4. Reward yourself: a £20 Waterhaul gift voucher will make its way to you to use on Waterhaul’s 100% recycled ghost gear eyewear range – a purposeful symbol of the positive impact you have made. Along with this, you will receive instructions for freeposting your ghost gear to Waterhaul for recycling.
The campaign is a call to action for everyone who cares about the health of our oceans. By working together, we can significantly reduce plastic pollution in our seas, oceans and coastlines and create a cleaner, healthier environment for marine life and future generations.
To go the extra mile, Harry Dennis is encouraging UK beachgoers to try their hand at litter picking, a great way to give back to a local community: ‘We are huge believers in the idea that big change often stems from grassroots, community initiatives. If you are already out on your beachside travels this summer, it is easy to make a direct positive impact in the moment. There is a lot to be said for being the change you wish to see in the world – and sharing that action. Don’t wait for someone else to take the first step.‘
Litter picking is a great community driven activity for all ages that helps to create a better environment for local people and wildlife. Activities like this are incredibly rewarding, often becoming a positive routine in your life that you can share with others and your community. You’re taking a step forward to ease eco anxiety, a great thing to do that will make a difference and make you feel good. Through litter picking, you spend more time outdoors with others breathing fresh air, disconnecting from screens and the stresses of life, all while giving back to the local community and natural environment.
You also see the immediate physical impact you have had at the end of the litter pick, which really boosts mental wellbeing.
‘For individuals not in the UK, or who don’t have easy access to beaches, if you are unable to collect fishing gear but still passionate about tackling plastic pollution, simply send proof (photographs) of your efforts in collecting litter and tidying up your local area. Waterhaul will still issue a £10 gift voucher as a token of appreciation.’
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