Bringing awareness to environmental issues has been a priority for Dispenser Amenities for many years. In recent years, celebrities have notably been using their fame as a platform to advocate for environmentalism. The 2016 Oscars recognized some of the best actors of our generation, including the often nominated but frequently overlooked Leonardo DiCaprio. In his Oscar acceptance speech for the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, DiCaprio spoke about the importance of protecting our planet stating that “We need to support leaders around the world who do not speak for the big polluters, but who speak for all of humanity…” Two up and coming examples of environmental leaders that deserve recognition are the founders of Seabin and The Ocean Cleanup.

One of the most important elements of the Earth’s ecosystem is the ocean; with water covering roughly two-thirds of the Earth’s surface, keeping these regions clean is instrumental to our continued survival. This undertaking has two essential components: keeping the trash from reaching the ocean, and cleaning up what is already out there. Two new companies from different corners of the world are presently working to accomplish each of these tasks.

Seabin

Seabin was founded by a pair of Australian surfers – Peter Ceglinski and Andrew Turton – who had become increasingly frustrated with garbage, oil, fuel, and other waste clogging up the waterways. They recognized that much of this garbage came from the marinas, and the most efficient cleanup system at the time was simply a person on a boat with a net. The pair figured there must be a better way.
Enter the “Seabin.” The system works by pumping water through a natural fiber bag that captures all sorts of debris including plastics, oils, and paper. It works along the same principles as a standard pool filter. This system is highly effective at attracting garbage and helping to keep it from contaminating the open ocean, but it is a supplemental solution. It is together with conventional methods of removing trash that the Seabin will help minimise the amount trash that pollutes our oceans.

The Ocean Cleanup

This startup, founded in The Netherlands by Dutch entrepreneur Boyan Slat, takes its ambitions farther out into the open ocean. Once in the oceans, plastic pollution collects in one of the world’s five gyres. Current methods for cleaning the ocean are inefficient and time-consuming, which inspired Slat to create The Ocean Cleanup. Boyan Slat’s solution is to harness the oceans’ natural currents and create a massive barrier that captures all of the plastic and refuse passing through. This garbage can then be gathered and disposed of. Boyan Slat has already received millions of dollars in support and won praise from the UN. Although still in the testing phase, studies have shown it to be full of promise.

SeaBin and The Ocean Cleanup are two companies that are facilitating a cleaner future for our planet through creativity and entrepreneurship. These are the types of companies that deserve our support and recognition. We need to look to leaders such as these to continue to create momentum towards global environmentalism and supporting environmental initiatives.