Green Queen Giving: Plastic Free Seas – On A Mission To Rid The Ocean Of Humanity’s C-R-A-P


3 Mins Read

How was Plastic Free Seas (PFS) started?

Having been organizing beach cleanups for years in Discovery Bay, and speaking at more and more schools about doing beach cleanups, volunteering and the general issue of plastic marine pollution, our founder Tracey Read decided to participate in a research expedition through the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to see for herself exactly what it was. She had been thinking about the need for a charity to focus on education and awareness in schools. Upon her return in the summer of 2012, the pellet spill happened and she found herself part of a small team of people leading the cleanup, liaising with government departments, media and other involved organizations. This event highlighted the need for education, and Plastic Free Seas became a reality less than a year later.

plastic footprint

What is the mission of PFS?

Plastic Free Seas‘ has a clear and simple mission: to see a reduction in the amount of plastic that is entering our oceans.

little boy cleaning up

What is PFS’s geographical focus?

Plastic Free Seas‘ geographical focus is Hong Kong, although we have worked with people from Guangzhou, Taiwan,  Philippines, Japan and Korea on this issue.  The focus is on empowering people with local solutions for what is a global issue.

hard days work

What are PFS’s goals for Hong Kong specifically?

PFS’ goals are as follows: to see a decrease in people’s reliance on and use of single-use plastic such as water bottles, shopping bags, cutlery, straws, etc;  to increase awareness of the issues related to plastic marine pollution; and to promote change through education in schools and our corporate programs; to encourage the government to devise strategies to improve the waste problems, both on land and at sea.

dirty beach

How can Hong Kongers get involved with PSF?

People can help Plastic Free Seas in a number of ways, starting with looking at their own plastic usage to see where they can make changes (say no to straws, bring your own water bottle, shopping bag, cutlery, etc). Children are an important demographic to reach. They can participate in any beach cleanup around Hong Kong, or organize their own. Raising awareness is key, so the more schools we can reach the better. Let us know if you would like PFS to speak at your child’s school- you can make an introduction or just let us know and we can contact the school on our own.

We are always happy to receive professional assistance in areas such as finance, marketing, fundraising, campaigning, videography, human resources, etc. If you are interested in volunteering with PFS, you should let us know your area of interest and skills so that we can find the right opportunity for them. 

crab time

What are some of your favourite charities, other than PSF of course?     

There are many fantastic charities in Hong Kong, but our personal favourites are Make a Wish Foundation, Ark Eden, Box of Hope and Feeding Hong Kong.

beach clean up

Green Queen Giving is a monthly series where we will showcase one of the the amazing NGOs and charities that we are proud to list in our Green Queen Guide to Hong Kong.

All photos courtesy of Plastic Free Seas. 

Author

  • Sonalie Figueiras

    2021 Women of Power, 2019 GEN T Honoree, V Label Global Hero, 2 x TEDx Speaker: Serial social entrepreneur & trends forecaster Sonalie Figueiras is a sustainability expert, food futurist and eco-powerhouse who has been inspiring global audiences for over a decade with practical steps on how to fight climate change. Known as the Green Queen of Asia, she is the founder and Editor in Chief of the award-winning Green Queen - the region’s first impact media platform that educates millions of readers on the connection between health, sustainability and the environment and showcases future solutions. She is also the co-founder and CEO of organic sourcing platform Ekowarehouse and climate tech SaaS Source Green, which helps consumer brands quit plastic packaging thanks to proprietary plastic reduction software. In addition, Sonalie is a global keynote speaker and an advisor to multiple mission-driven startups and NGOs, and a venture partner to several VC funds.

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