Optical Express has joined the Marine Conservation Society, the UK’s leading marine charity, in its efforts to protect our oceans and marine life from plastic pollution.
Formed in 1983, their campaigns to protect the UK’s seas, shores and wildlife reflect their mission to lead political, cultural and social change for healthy seas and coasts that support abundant wildlife, sustainable livelihoods and enjoyment for all. The society advocates for change which has led to charges for single-use bags, and changes in labelling on commonly ‘mis-flushed’ items.
Every year, over 1 million people take part in MCS campaigns and projects and throughout 2020 Optical Express will be organising beach clean-ups across the UK and Ireland.
One of the Marine Conservation Society’s most well-known campaigns is their ‘Great British Beach Clean’ which takes place every year. Over the last 26 years, beach clean volunteers have removed a staggering 6 million pieces of litter from our beaches and collected marine litter data to support campaigns for cleaner seas and beaches. As a charity they rely on the support of members to donate funds and supporters also help them to campaign, lobby, record, clean, advise and influence, ensuring that every year our UK beaches and seas are in a better state for future generations.
Heather Suttie our CSR manager said “I’m thrilled we’re supporting the amazing work of this ground breaking environmental charity. We’re planning a number of initiatives for 2020 and we recently organised a beach clean-up event near Bristol with some of our colleagues from Cardiff, Glasgow, Southampton and Plymouth and we’re keen to support more beach cleans. I was really shocked at the amount of plastic we collected on our clean up, it’s also worrying that microplastics are usually 5mm in length, so quite hard to see”. You can find out where beach clean ups are taking place all year round by visiting here www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch/events and adding your preferred location(s).
Anne Thwaites, Corporate Relationships Manager, Marine Conservation Society said “We are delighted to receive support for our work from our new business member Optical Express, and look forward to working together in support of marine conservation."
Celebrity Ambassadors include Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden, Welsh broadcaster Iolo Williams, Susie Rodgers MBE and former European and Paralympic Champion, TV presenter Simon Reeve, naturalist and broadcaster Chris Packham, former Olympic swimmer Sharon Davies MBE and Blue Planet cameraman and marine biologist Doug Allan.
David Moulsdale, Optical Express Chief Executive and Chairman, said: “The Marine Conservation Society does incredible work protecting our precious oceans and beaches, so it’s a privilege to team up and support their efforts. Whilst cleaning up plastic pollution is a vital part of this work, our real aim should be to cut down on the amount of plastic products we use in the first place. I’d encourage everyone to look carefully at the single-use plastic products they use and consider replacing them with more sustainable, ocean-friendly alternatives.”