In the Netherlands, there is a specific tradition regarding Christmas gifts from employers to their employees. They traditionally give their employees what we call in Dutch a “kerstpakket” (which means “Christmas box”).

In this blog, we looked into some amazing alternative Christmas Boxes from sustainable companies in the Netherlands. They offer beautiful and unique gifts that can make your life a bit more eco-friendly, and support local and sustainable initatives at the same time. We are very excited to show you some of the options that are out there in our latest blog - which are not only suitable for Christmas gifts from employers, but also for your family and friends (or to treat yourself).

You’d think that plastic food packaging would be enough to solve Europe’s food waste problem. The reason why most of our food is packaged in a supermarket is because it keeps our produce ‘fresher’ right?

Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Both plastic pollution and food waste are at all time highs and there has never been a better moment to find solutions. Luckily, there are many innovative packaging ideas, which aim to reduce the source of both plastic pollution and food waste.

What is a cigarette filter made out of? The answer is plastic.

Many smokers and non-smokers are now just beginning to realize that cigarette butts have long been our biggest source of forgotten plastic. In this blog, I will discuss the environmental implications of cigarette butt pollution, followed by revelations that I had while taking part in a city-wide cleanup in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Have you heard of the #trashtag challenge? Around the world locals and tourists have come together to clean up parks, rivers and beaches, giving them new life.

This week, we’ll be featuring Scuba Projects, an initiative to spread awareness about ocean conservation while engaging the local community to lead the charge towards stopping plastic pollution by taking part in cleanups! If you haven’t already, check out their viral cleanup video here, which was one of many cleanups that they hosted across the country of Vietnam.

Keep reading to hear more about how Scuba Projects was founded, what their reception has been like so far and their future ambitions and projects!

The EU is making changes to #GoGreenForTheBigBlue!

Just this week lawmakers have approved measures that may lead to the ban of single-use plastics by 2021, which is great news for our oceans!

Check out this week’s blog for more information on how the EU Commission plans to finally toss away single-use plastics for good.

Did you know that cigarette butts are the most common plastic pollution found on a beach? In this blog we will hear more from Brian Yurasits about the impact cigarette butts and other plastic pollution is having on the marine environment and how Brian Yurasits has come up with innovative solutions as a part of their #NoMoreButts campaign.

As a part of their commitment to ocean conservation, Brian Yurasits helps to spread knowledge on ocean health and biodiversity, while helping individuals to take action to make a difference in their communities.

If you love the ocean as much as we do, then check out this week’s blog.

PLAs have been heralded around the world as a renewable, plant based, biodegradable alternative to petroleum based plastics. Made from fermented plant starch, the plastic is said to be “carbon neutral” and “non-toxic.” However, this is far from the truth. Critics and experts around the world have brought to light that the renewable alternative is not as environmentally friendly as one might have thought.

In this week’s post, we reveal the hidden reality of PLA plastics. Read to find out the truth!

The future of the oceans is in our hands; here are some of the biggest takeaways from the Volvo Ocean Summit. If you follow our instagram @seagoinggreen, you will know that our team here at Sea Going Green was fortunate enough to attend the final and capstone Volvo Ocean Summit in Den Haag. Alongside industry experts, academics, and the racers them selves, we participated in the world’s premier platform to bring about action regarding ocean health.

As you lay on the beach, relaxing and soaking up the sunshine, enjoying your holiday or weekend
getaway or gap year adventure, you reach over and take a sip from your refreshing drink. But have you ever thought twice about what happens to that straw you are using. Have you ever been eco-conscious while abroad?

I used to never think about trash. As a Western city dweller,  it is easy to remain in blissful ignorance of garbage: where it comes from, where it goes. The only brain cells devoted to trash were for mindless separation, and remembering to take the seperated bags out before they got too full. Otherwise convenience (or a frustrated roommate) takes over, and everything ends up in the general bin.

This week we met with Straw by Straw , another partner helping us to #GoGreenForTheBigBlue. Every day we use hundreds of millions straws worldwide. See how this company provides a sustainable alternative.