Who are WDC
So why whales and dolphins? 🐳🐬
The ocean absorbs more carbon and releases more oxygen than all of Earth’s forests combined, and whales help it flourish. Planet Earth needs a healthy ocean. And a healthy ocean needs whales. Plastic pollution is a severe threat to marine life and BRITA is working to combat this critical issue through supporting WDC’s Marine Pollution Coordinator role. Together, we are at the forefront of the fight against not only plastic but chemical and fishing gear pollution - the most pervasive form of ocean plastic.
Impact of single-use plastic in the ocean
One single-use plastic bottle that makes its way into the ocean can take more than 450 years to break down into ever smaller pieces, meaning it will remain on this planet twice as long as a bowhead whale - one of the longest living creatures on the planet.
Plastic causing damage to marine life
Plastics account for 60 – 80% of marine litter.
Marine species affected by plastic pollution
Sixty-two (67%) of the 92 whale, dolphin and porpoise species recognised today are reported to have been tragically affected by marine plastic pollution, either through entanglement or ingestion.
BRITA x WDC
Our partnership over the years
Inspiring the future generations of whale watchers
BRITA UK launched a children's book The Whale Watchers, written by Dougie Poynter, to inspire environmental awareness in Key Stage 2 students. The story follows Finn, a boy trying to save a whale trapped in plastic, teaching readers about whales' role in climate change and carbon capture. Alongside the book, BRITA invited schools and youth groups to enter a competition to win £3,000 for a sustainability project by designing recycling bins that promote reducing, reusing, and recycling
The Green and Blue Gala
On Earth Day 2021, BRITA hosted the Green and Blue Gala: Celebrating Sustainability in Hospitality, in partnership with WDC. The virtual event, hosted by journalist Rick Edwards and featuring chef Melissa Hemsley, combined live entertainment with discussions on sustainability. BRITA aimed to raise awareness of sustainability issues in the hospitality industry, showcasing stories from businesses that overcame challenges and implemented eco-friendly practices.
WDC and BRITA join to send plastic pollution warning
A WDC report in 2021 revealed that 67% of whale and dolphin species are affected by plastic pollution. To take action, BRITA and WDC created a 50m sand drawing of a whale and calf filled with plastic waste on a UK beach for World CleanUp Day. The initiative emphasised the harmful impact of plastic on marine life and climate, urging consumers to reduce single-use plastics.
