Plastic pollution is a major environmental issue that is wreaking havoc on our oceans and marine life. While many people have made efforts to reduce their plastic consumption in various ways, such as using reusable bags and water bottles, there is one source of plastic pollution that often goes unnoticed – discarded inflatables.
Every year, millions of inflatables are left behind by holidaymakers on beaches or in the sea. These inflatables, made of plastic materials, pose a significant threat to marine wildlife and ecosystems. When animals ingest plastic, it can lead to suffering, starvation, and even death. To address this issue, Thomas Cook and The Marine Conservation Society have joined forces to launch a new campaign aimed at raising awareness and encouraging people to reduce, reuse, or recycle their inflatables.
A recent survey commissioned by YourSayPays on behalf of Thomas Cook revealed that a significant number of holidaymakers purchase inflatables for their trips, but only a small percentage indicated that they would reuse or recycle them after their holiday. This highlights the need for increased awareness and action to address the problem of inflatable waste.
The campaign features striking visuals of deflated inflatables shaped like marine animals, such as orcas, dolphins, and turtles, stranded on beaches. These images are designed to grab the attention of holidaymakers and prompt them to reconsider their use of inflatables. The ads will be displayed in airports and on social media platforms to reach a wide audience during the holiday season.
Adam Bodfish, executive creative director at McCann Birmingham, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the environmental impact of abandoned inflatables. He noted that while inflatables are a common sight on beaches, their consequences are often overlooked. By showcasing the connection between litter and marine life through powerful imagery, the campaign aims to inspire individuals to make more sustainable choices.
Jennifer Mitchell, director of engagement and communications at the Marine Conservation Society, stressed the critical role that everyone plays in protecting the environment, whether at home or on holiday. She highlighted the campaign’s goal of reducing the number of discarded inflatables and minimizing their impact on marine ecosystems.
Ryan Cotton, marketing director at Thomas Cook, acknowledged the popularity of plastic inflatables among holidaymakers but emphasized the significant environmental impact they have. He urged people to reconsider their purchase of new inflatables and instead opt to reuse, borrow, or recycle existing ones to contribute to efforts in reducing plastic pollution.
In conclusion, the campaign to raise awareness about the environmental impact of discarded inflatables is a crucial step in addressing plastic pollution in our oceans. By encouraging individuals to rethink their use of inflatables and take action to reduce, reuse, or recycle them, we can all play a part in protecting marine life and preserving our precious ecosystems.