Celebrate Australia’s SeaWeek, 2-10 March 2025
Every year, Australians celebrate SeaWeek, a national initiative dedicated to promoting the health and sustainability of our oceans. This celebration, hosted by the Australian Association for Environmental Education (AAEE), raises awareness of the vital role our oceans play in supporting life on Earth. SeaWeek also encourages people to take action to protect marine ecosystems. It’s the ideal time for schools, communities, and individuals to participate in activities like beach clean-ups, educational workshops, and environmental advocacy campaigns.
Why does our ocean matter so much?
Regulates Global Climate: The ocean plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate. It absorbs about 30% of the carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by humans, helping to mitigate climate change. The ocean also helps distribute heat around the planet, driving weather patterns and supporting life.
Source of Oxygen: Marine plants, including phytoplankton, seaweed, and seagrasses, produce at least 50% of the world’s oxygen. This makes the ocean a critical component in sustaining life on Earth.
Biodiversity Hotspot: The ocean is home to over 230,000 known species, and scientists believe that millions more remain undiscovered. Ocean ecosystems, such as coral reefs, provide essential services like food, coastal protection, and tourism revenue.
Economic Value: Oceans are a key part of the global economy. The ocean economy generates trillions of dollars annually. This includes industries such as fisheries, tourism, shipping, and offshore energy production. Over 3 billion people rely on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods.
Plastic Pollution Impact: The ocean is increasingly impacted by plastic pollution, with 8 million metric tons of plastic entering the ocean each year. By 2050, the weight of plastic in the ocean could exceed the weight of all the fish in the sea. Plastic waste not only harms marine life but also enters the food chain, affecting human health.
Buy bin liners made from recycled ocean-bound plastic waste
We have developed a range of products made from recycled ocean-bound plastic. Ecopack bin liners are made from recycled plastics collected from coastal areas, shorelines and waterways before it washes out to sea (because we now know that 80% of marine plastic comes from land). These environmentally friendlier bin liners and bags provide a practical way for individuals, businesses, and households to reduce their plastic footprint while supporting conservation efforts.
How can I make a difference?
SeaWeek is a wonderful opportunity to take stock of your actions and consider how you can get involved. Here are some ways you can celebrate:
- Join a beach clean-up: Many communities host events to remove litter and waste from local beaches. Even if you don’t have a clean-up event in your area, you can organise your own.
- Reduce plastic consumption: Cutting back on single-use plastics is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect the ocean. Opt for products like Ecopack’s recycled plastic bin liners to make a difference with every purchase.
- Spread awareness: Educate friends, family, and colleagues about the importance of keeping our oceans clean. Use your social media platforms to share facts, articles, and your personal experiences with ocean conservation.
- Get involved with marine conservation: Many organisations around the world are dedicated to protecting our seas. Consider donating to or volunteering with one of these groups to have a direct impact on conservation efforts.
SeaWeek is more than just a time to reflect on the beauty and importance of the oceans; it’s a call to action. The ocean’s health is directly tied to our actions on land, and every small effort counts. Whether you participate in a beach clean-up, reduce your plastic use, or support companies, like us, who offer eco-friendly alternatives, you’re playing an important role in preserving our oceans for generations to come.
Happy SeaWeek, Australia!