In 2018, talk of reducing our plastic use and helping to protect our planet from environmental damage has been a hot topic of conversation. After the airing of Blue Planet 2, our focus turned toward the world’s oceans (and beaches).

“It’s always heartbreaking to see a beach left in such a terrible state - particularly after such a positive event,” James Harvey, campaigns officer for Surfers Against Sewage, tells Stylist.co.uk. “Once in the ocean, plastics break down into thousands of pieces which can wreak havoc on ecosystems.”

But Brighton Pride is not the only event of this year to be called out for environmental damage. After the tremendous summer we’ve been experiencing, many parks have been left in a worse off state from BBQ use and litter. In general, people have been leaving behind a trail of mess.

The simplest solution? Take your litter home.

“It will take a massive team effort to stop plastic pollution,” says Harvey. “If you take food and drink to the beach, please bin your rubbish or take it home for recycling. Hopefully the more people that see these scenes, the more they will be motivated to protect our beautiful coastlines.”

If you want to do more to help then you can join SAS on 19 August at Brighton beach as UN Patron of the Oceans Lewis Pugh swims the English Channel to highlight the issues affecting our oceans.

You can also read about the best ways to reduce your consumption of single-use plastic here.

Images: Getty / Twitter

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