In search of promoting responsible habits and reducing waste generation during the high season of visits to beaches, rivers and other natural spaces, the organization Scuba Dogs Society announced the relaunch of its educational campaign “Enjoy summer without garbage!”.
The initiative, which will run from June 1 to July 31, has the purpose of connecting people with natural spaces that they enjoy during the summer and encourage simple but meaningful actions to protect them.
“Puerto Rico is more than a summer destination; it is part of our identity. Its beaches, rivers and coasts are part of our memories, our communities and the legacy that we want to protect for future generations. With this campaign, we want to remember that taking care of our natural spaces is also a way to show love for our archipelago,” said the executive director of Scuba Dogs Society, María E. Ocasio Torresin a press release.
The organization highlighted that the months of June and July represent one of the times of greatest pressure on natural ecosystems due to celebrations and festive dates such as the Night of San Juan (June 23), July 4 and July 25, times when thousands of people visit the coasts and bodies of water of the archipelago, generating large amounts of waste.
Through educational notes, social networks, media, community cleanups and environmental awareness activities, The campaign will encourage citizens to take simple measures to reduce pollution, including avoiding plastics single-use items – such as cutlery, glasses and straws –, use reusable containers and take the trash generated.
“We want to transform the way people enjoy summer. It is not just about collecting garbage, but about preventing it from reaching our ecosystems. “Small actions like carrying reusable items or picking up a bottle someone left behind can have a huge impact on our bodies of water and aquatic species.”expressed, for his part, Gabriel Pecunia MalavéProgram Coordinator for Scuba Dogs Society.
The organization also highlighted that the campaign seeks to continue strengthening education on the reduction of single-use plastics and promote sustainable alternatives accessible to citizens.
| Measures to reduce pollution |
|---|
| Carry only what you need and avoid single-use plastics. |
| Use reusable bottles, utensils and containers. |
| Take away all the garbage generated. |
| Collect waste found in natural spaces. |
| Leave spaces clean for the enjoyment of other people and wildlife. |
| Fountain: Scuba Dogs Society |
Many of this waste ends up fragmenting into microplastics that contaminate ecosystems and affect both nature and human health. In that sense, Scuba Dogs Society emphasized that, although cleanups are important, the real solution begins by reducing the amount of trash that enters the environment.
As part of the effort, the organization will also promote educational activities and green hour-certified community cleanups. Among these initiatives is “Your Harmonious Footprint”, a community coast cleanup that will be held on Saturday, June 20, in Playa Las Marías, Cornerfocused on promoting the responsible enjoyment of our beaches prior to the Saint John’s Night.
“We want to invite families, young people and communities to be part of the solution. Enjoying our natural spaces and protecting them must go hand in hand. Each person can leave a positive mark this summer,” added Ocasio Torres.