20th April – 3rd May 2021, I took part in ‘eXXpedition Virtual Voyage SA’. I joined a multi-talented female crew virtual voyage around South Africa’s coast. To participate in an informative exploration of ocean plastic pollution, and use our skills to solve it. You can find out more about Watch 4 and its objectives here.

In 2019 I wrote about eXXpedition, a not for profit organisation. I loved the concept and immediately applied to join. Meanwhile, due to Covid19, the actual voyages had to stop. However, when the universe conspires, everything flows. Synchronicity is super exciting.

eXXpedition, The Dali Lama and Nannas

In my interview for the crew position, I pitched the Dali Lama prophecy. ‘The world will be saved by the Western woman’. To which I have added ‘And the biggest demographic are over women 50.’
Yet Western women over 50 have two issues…

1. Firstly, women feel invisible and no longer valuable members of society. Often overlooked as a source of wisdom. Losing their position of influence.
2. Secondly, in today’s world, we have information overload. Greta Thunberg inspires yet can we see the wood for the trees? We watch Seaspiracy and immediately become experts on saving the Oceans.

It is time to ask deeper questions: 

  • How can we become visible again?
  • What do we need to do in order to make the Dali Lamas prophecy come true?
  • How does plastic and micro-plastics, affect our hormones at menopause and old age?
  • What information is correct?
  • Which authority do we trust?
  • What is the real story about the ocean and plastic?

In the past, it has been Nanna’s responsibility to share knowledge. As a result culture and heritage, were passed inter-generationally. Above all, the information we pass on to the younger generations today will undoubtedly save the planet. It is time to overcome invisibility and be confident in the story to tell.

After taking part in eXXpedition I reached out to organisations/foundations in Mallorca and Cape Town, with a concept we have called the family agreement.

The Family Agreement

The rabbit hole of information gleaned during the two week voyage was mind-blowing. At times it felt overwhelming. The plastic problem felt like an impossible task to resolve. Yet, I also met some passionate and inspiring people along the journey.

I listened to guests and eXXpedition members from around the world, talk of the global issues and wonderful work being done, I really wanted to be of service and an idea was sparked.

My original idea had been to help financially by raising money. What I came to realise was awareness has a greater potential. The opportunity to create something simple to complement the wonderful work already out there became the focus.

In particular, giving those 7-18-year-olds more impact in the home. Children do not have the same socio/economic influence as their parents when it comes to avoiding plastic/toxic waste, despite their knowledge. How could we aid them and their families in keeping the plastic-free message alive without causing overwhelm?

The family agreement is based upon the idea that if we all change just three things in our homes we can make a difference. Changing three things gives everyone a little more power and responsibility, which in turn gives the inspiration to create further change.

Depending on world location there will be different resources and issues. The family agreement has something for everyone and is open-sourced in order that it can be copied and adapted to suit circumstances. It can be printed out or sent to a mobile phone. Once filled in, it can be put where everyone can see it – e.g. on the fridge, or photographed and made into a screensaver for everyone’s phone.

The agreement can also be used as a tool for adult education, who in turn can share with their kids/grandkids. Download HERE.

Next steps

Now that the agreement has been created it is time to put it to the test. And this is where you can be of help. In order to prove the concept three steps need to occur…

  • To get the actual document in front of 100 families for feedback and improvement. It is open-source which means anyone can copy or alter the content not only to suit their own need but to also improve it over time.
  • For 100 people to trial the content for one month and then give a Testimonial on how it had changed their home habits.
  • Once trialled by 100 it can be sent out to English speaking organisations/schools for use with their Ocean projects.

Increasing the Project

1. The agreement to be translated into global languages.
2. Placed on the www.shift.how platform for use worldwide.
3. Create and interactive storybook series for younger children/grandparents to plant the Ocean Care Seed before reaching school age.

 

eXXpedition – Mallorca, Spain and SA

Below are names some of the wonderful organisations doing amazing work to save our oceans. 
The foundation is a grassroots organisation. Formed by a devoted team of professionals and passionate volunteers. It aims to regenerate the Mediterranean Sea – one of the worlds most fragile marine environments.

The organisation conducts marine research and innovative educational projects. They inspire local communities to take action to protect their environment. STM main focus areas are marine protection and pollution reduction. Save The Med believes that the best way to approach any human-created problem is to involve humans in the solution.

Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation

The Aquarium foundation work highlights issues surrounding single-use plastic. Their impactful campaign, ‘Bring your Own’ encourages people to bring their bags always.

One of the Aquariums foundations objectives is to teach the younger generations about the impact of plastics on the ocean. Sea turtles are incredible ocean ambassadors. The turtle rescue, rehabilitation and release programme convince people to be plastic aware.

Beach Co-op

Aaniyah Omardien, is the Founder and Director of the Beach Co-op. Lead by women, citizen science shows the impact of plastics on the coast. Regular beach/rocky shore cleans create data analysis in collaboration with UCT.

Knowledge of how single-use plastics is perceived by consumers and the food industry, the extent to which they are recycled. Subsequently, I have a feeling when we begin to connect, we will have a lot to discuss. Muizenberg is one of my favourite beaches in Cape Town.

Sentinel Ocean Alliance – SOA

Marguerite Kimberley is the operations director of this non-profit organisation based in Hout Bay. SOA creates ocean-based opportunities and provides environmental education for at-risk youth of South Africa’s coastal communities.

Their programmes currently include an Ocean School at Hout Bay main beach. Children from the communities of Hangberg and Imizamo Yethu attend an immersive environmental education programme. The focus is how to connect to the oceans, the beauty, wonders and fragility of the oceans. Also, ocean threats, specifically marine plastic pollution, and what to do to help. SOA collaborates with guest speakers and organisations to provide the most stimulating experience possible for students.

Petco

Petco helps to divert upwards of 90 000 tonnes of PET plastic bottles from landfill every year. Once collected, these used bottles are recycled into bottles and other products. Furthermore, the process contributes to SA’s GDP. I am looking forward to connecting and finding out more about what they do over the coming weeks.

Your Help Needed beyond eXXpedition Virtual Voyage SA

Most importantly, if you would like to…

  • Collaborate
  • Donate 
  • Know more about ‘eXXpedition Virtual Voyage SA’
  • Chat directly about my findings

Please do not hesitate to contact me.

With thanks 

For the support already received…

To all members of eXXpedition
Sociologist Isabel Hundt
Romanus Berg – Ex Sr Advisor Oceana

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