The Leisure Collective increases support to tackle marine plastic pollution

20 March, 2024

Yallingup, Western Australia

The Leisure Collective has just announced increasing its ongoing support of national charity Tangaroa Blue Foundation to help combat marine debris and plastic pollution. The collaboration includes a donation of funds, as well as staff volunteer time to assist with Tangaroa Blue’s Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI).

“We’ve already been helping with beach clean-ups in our home of South West WA and our team wanted to do more to help after seeing the extent of the problem, even in a part of the world that’s as pristine as ours,” says Leisure Collective CEO Nathan Omodei. “Tangaroa Blue does amazing work and the organisation is very aligned with our brands given our connection to the ocean and our genuine interest in making products that last while using less plastic and waste.”

“From our first team clean-up with The Leisure Collective almost two years ago, it was very clear to me that this group of people were genuinely interested and invested in a shared purpose to protect and preserve our ocean playground,” says Casey Woodward, WA’s Project Coordinator for Tangaroa Blue. “The relationship has grown over time and we have been able to share our successes and build that trust that is so critical in this type of work. Tangaroa Blue Foundation is really looking forward to furthering our impact with The Leisure Collective’s ongoing support.”

The additional support comes at a perfect time, when Tangaroa Blue are celebrating their 20th anniversary as an Australia-wide not-for-profit dedicated to the removal and prevention of marine debris. This major environmental issue is only growing in scope, with an estimated 14 million tons of plastic ending up in the ocean every year, making up 80% of all marine debris found from surface waters to deep-sea sediments.

Through their brands like Creatures of Leisure, OTIS Eyewear, Sito Shades and Layday, The Leisure Collective has also committed to eliminating all non-biodegradable plastic from their primary packaging by 2026 - a goal they’re already well on their way to achieving. The group recently certified as a B Corp as well, helping guide their efforts in ensuring the business is a force for good in the world.

Tangaroa Blue’s next beach clean up in SW Western Australia will be held later this year. To join in, or see if there’s another event closer to your local region, head to:

https://www.tangaroablue.org/about-us/get-involved/

For more information about The Leisure Collective and their sustainability efforts, visit:

https://www.leisurecollective.com.au/