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More than a ‘smidge’ of litter as eco brand cleans up Sand Bay

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Bristol staff see single-use plastic problem first hand as they partner with Marine Conservation Society

The UK’s leading marine charity says it’s delighted that south west eco brand ‘Smidge’ is putting its money where its mouth is by getting staff involved in a beach clean and litter survey to see just how much single-use plastic is impacting our coastline.

Bristol-based ‘Smidge’ has partnered with the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) and will be making a donation to the charity from every product sold from its new 100% natural collection made from plant materials, which includes coffee cups, plates, bowls and cutlery.

45 Smidge staff visited Sand Bay, near Weston-super-Mare, on June 25th to take part in a beach clean led by MCS staff. They collected 66kgs of litter, equating to a staggering 1,302 items of rubbish along the 100m of beach surveyed – that’s well above the national average. Unsurprisingly, 76% of the litter picked up was made of plastic/polystyrene, highlighting the importance of brands like Smidge working with alternatives.

MCS works to raise awareness of the many threats that face our seas and the most pressing of these is the proliferation of single-use plastic that is found in the oceans and on beaches. During last year’s MCS-led Great British Beach Clean, 601 pieces of litter were picked up for every 100 metres cleaned by the charity’s volunteer litter pickers.

MCS Beachwatch Officer Lizzie Prior, who led the clean-up, said: “The drizzly weather certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of the Smidge team who were incredibly engaged with the clean itself and with the source to sea story of litter. I hope seeing the situation first hand will help cement the brand’s commitment in continuing to work on an even wider range of multi-use products going forward.”

The team were really excited to come together and do something new that really fits in with the values of Smidge,” said Rob Jones, Managing Director at Smidge. “The work MCS do for our environment is really important and we are hoping that, with time, the plastic washed up on our beaches won’t be such a significant issue. This is something that Smidge as a brand really cares about and we hope to get involved and help wherever we can

Sabah Shafi, Marketing Communications Executive at Smidge said: “The brand is passionate about being environmentally friendly as well as being fun and colourful. This beach clean has been our way of starting off Smidge, by trying to contribute and ‘do our bit.’ The Smidge team have really enjoyed it

Pam Dorritt, Smidge Warehouse Manager from Bristol, who took part in the clean said: “Yesterday’s beach clean was not only good for cleaning the beach but also good for team building.  Everyone went away feeling good at being able to take part in this and quite pleased at what we had managed to collect.  I think we all now have a greater awareness of what is harming the sea life. It’s not just the obvious like plastic bags and bottles and nets but all the things we had not considered like the wipes, cotton buds, sanitary products.  I am sure we will now all be more aware of the way we dispose of our waste and I hope we have the opportunity to take part again.”

James Robinson, Smidge Marketing Manager from Bristol, said: “Great day, had by all! MCS were inspiring and informative, shocked by the 66Kilos of plastic we collected. I slept really well (not sure if it was the sea air or knowing I had done my little bit). The next beach clean is already in the family diary.

Dr Laura Foster, MCS Head of Clean Seas said: “Reducing single use plastic items and replacing with them multi-use products is vital if we are to make inroads on the amount of single-use plastic that enters our oceans.  Reusability is the key going forward and the more items we can use again and again the less that will end up in our oceans.”

For more information about the Marine Conservation Society please visit their website by clicking here.

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Discover Curaçao with the Ultimate Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition

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Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.

Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities

With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.

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Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators

This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.

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Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure

Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.

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Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages

This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.

It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!

Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.

For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.

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Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity

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Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.

Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!

santa divers

Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.

Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.

“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.

Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.

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