• Home
  • About
    • CONTACT
    • WORK WITH BE-LAVIE
    • TESTIMONIALS
  • DESTINATIONS
    • AFRICA
    • ASIA
    • CARIBBEAN
    • CENTRAL AMERICA
    • EUROPE
    • NORTH AMERICA
    • OCEANIA
    • SOUTH AMERICA
    • LEICESTER, UK
    • TYPE 1 DIABETES TRAVEL
  • HOTELS
    • ASIA
    • CENTRAL AMERICA
    • EUROPE
    • NORTH AMERICA
    • SOUTH AMERICA
    • OCEANIA
  • FOOD & DRINK
    • AFTERNOON TEA
    • CAFES, COFFEE & CAKE
    • CASUAL RESTAURANTS
    • BARS
    • BRUNCH
    • COOKERY CLASSES
    • FINE DINING
    • GASTRO PUBS
    • INTERNATIONAL FOOD GUIDES
    • MICHELIN STAR
    • PLANT-BASED & VEGETARIAN
    • RECIPES
  • SUSTAINABILITY
  • THE BE-COLLECTIVE
  • TRAVEL RESOURCES

Be-lavie

Ocean plastic pollution

U OCEAN PROJECT: STRIVING TO BEST REDUCE MARINE POLLUTION

9th September 2021

Affiliate Links Disclosure: Be-lavie participates in various affiliate marketing programs  and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. For further information, read our Disclosure Policy

The U Ocean Project is a non-profit charity with an important mission to remove 1 billion kilos of marine pollution by 2030 from every canal, river, beach, and ocean.

In This Article

Toggle
  • Plastic in Our Ocean-Why, How and Where?
  • Why Plastic is Dangerous in Our Oceans
  • U OCEAN Project
  • U OCEAN Leicester
  • What Kinds of waste Are Collected?
  • What Happens to the Plastic After Collection?
  • Related Articles
  • À bientôt
  • Pin For Later
Tow path rubbish
PHOTO COURTESY: Leicester Creates

All images Copyright of be-lavie unless credited to Leicester Creates. Instagram: @leicester_creates

At the core of U OCEAN’S ethos is a community-based approach to conservation inviting volunteers to support the mission by sharing a small amount of their time in uniting humanity against ocean plastics.

Canal Tow Path Clean

U OCEAN has clean-ups in almost every city in the UK, as well as international chapters in their fight to achieve and sustain their mission. U OCEAN Leicester recently invited me to join them on their riverside and canal clean-up in Leicester in partnership with Leicester City Council. To say the least, this was an experience that left me wanting to join the team on a regular basis.  It was also a real eye-opener to the issue of waste dumping we are dealing with not only in the city but nationally and on a global level.

Plastic in Our Ocean-Why, How and Where?

Plastic penetrates our waterways in many ways as rivers and canals run through most cities which are connected to the ocean. Plastic and waste left on the floor flows into the system when the elements such as wind, rain sweeps them into the waterways. Additionally fishing boats using loose nets, buoys and floats that cannot be recovered and therefore are seen floating around our oceans leading to the death of countless marine life.

Ocean plastic pollution
PHOTO COURTESY: naja bertit-jenson (unsplash)

We as humans are a huge detriment to the waterways, throwing away our waste everywhere that ends up onto the beach and ocean and more so in countries where a robust recycling and disposal system is not in place.

Global storm drains and overflow systems flush plastic into the ocean resulting in countless pieces of plastic ending up in the ocean as well as millions of plastic particles of manmade fibres from our clothing running through washing machines and driers and eventually ending up in the ocean. Find out more on my #sustainablesunday series on Instagram, and the release of microplastics in your washing https://www.instagram.com/p/CSThijesbj9/

“There are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean. Of that mass, 269,000 tons float on the surface, Not one square mile of surface ocean anywhere on earth is free of plastic pollution.”

National Geographic

Why Plastic is Dangerous in Our Oceans

The impact of plastic on marine life is probably the most apparent with seabirds, whales, fish and turtles ingesting plastics as they mistake the plastic for food with many of them dying as their stomachs are filled with plastic debris.

Plastic Bottle in Canal
PHOTO COURTESY: Leicester Creates

The common plastic (Low Density Polyethylene – LDPE) used to make grocery bags is known to release the most methane in terms of greenhouse gases, after being submerged in seawater and sunlight exposure. These bags are also pretty light and tend to float to the surface of the ocean.

The world’s coral reefs are also in a diare state with heavy plastic contamination with plastic attaching to the branching coral killing the living coral system.

‘In the UK, a recent sample of the river Mersey near Liverpool found that there was an average of 84,030 particles of micro-plastics in each square metre of water. People are likely to consume micro-plastics, as they have been detected in a wide range of food and drink products, including bottled and tap water, table salt, sugar, and seafood. ‘

U Ocean

Take Action : Look at Everyday Sustainable Plastic .Alternatives

U OCEAN Project

In order to prevent as much waste as possible from entering the oceans, its imperative to tackle the waste in our canals, rivers and waterways before it is swept up to the wider ocean covering our planet. This is exactly the aim of the U OCEAN PROJECT. With chapters in almost every UK city as well as international chapters the team has an inspiring network of leaders and volunteers whose priorities are to educate and hold local clean-ups regularly with generous funding through local councils, brands, businesses, foundations and private donors.

Plastic bottle in canal
PHOTO COURTESY: Leicester Creates

U OCEAN started when founder Chris Desai left the fast fashion industry after a revelation and seeing the pollution it was causing in the world and went sailing for six months to reflect on his next chapter. He was deeply moved at the level of pollution on the beaches and at sea around the United Kingdom, whilst sailing and decided to create a sustainable fashion brand Vayyu and non-profit charity called The Vayyu Foundation, to clean the world’s oceans whilst leading a new generation into clean fashion

U OCEAN Leicester

The Leicester Chapter is now led by Chris, who is from Leicester originally, where his infectious passion has inspired many volunteers to join the movement and play a conscious part in this cause.

Chris Desai Founder of U OCEAN
PHOTO COURTESY: Leicester Creates

The clean-ups are set up by Chris on a regular basis at a number of locations on the River Soar running through Castle Park in the city as well as Watermead Abbey Park and other areas.

Canal Tow Path Clean

Each clean-up is around three hours long and you can fill out the volunteer form on the U OCEAN Website (a member of the team will let you know where you’re nearest clean-up location is) or contact the charity via their Instagram account. Anyone can take part and everything you need from life jacket buoys, U Ocean Clean up vests, to gloves, bin bags, pickers, rakes etc will be provided so you just need to bring yourself and maybe some hand sanitiser to wash hands. Oh and comfortable clothing, which you’re not too precious about!

The Leicester clean up at Castle Gardens involved split cleaning from the Tow Path and a river boat from Leicester Council with a swap over of the groups half-way through.

What Kinds of waste Are Collected?

Crisp packets, plastic bottles, general waste, soft toys, traffic cones, shopping trolleys, bicycles, cans and so much more.

Retrieving a trolley from the canal

The charity would be able to grow and provide more education and clean-up sessions if they could purchase vital clean-up equipment, volunteer training, river boats as well as charity costs such as insurance- so if you are able to donate then head over to their donations page or get in touch with U OCEAN to speak to a team member.

Please join the movement if you can and together we can help remove one billion kilos of marine pollution by 2030 and provide a future where our oceans preserve life and humanity.

What Happens to the Plastic After Collection?

Any plastic that is still viable will be recycled. Although some bits are non-recyclable such as crisp packets and the like so these are passed onto facilities who can dispose of them more sustainably. The plastic is also weighted prior to this to keep a track of the amount collected.

Cleaning the tow path

Related Articles

  • Increasing Eco-tourism & Sustainability
  • Sustainable Travel Ideas
  • Sustainable Lifestyle

À bientôt

Pin For Later

  • U Ocean Clean-Up
  • U ocean Clean-UP
  • U Ocean Clean-Up
8 Comments
Share
Bejal

I’m Bejal aka Be, an ex-scientist turned travel writer and digital content creator. I have travelled to 6 continents, visited 70 plus countries, including an around the world trip, making me quite the expert in crafting intricate itineraries. I love to discover some of the world's more remote destinations and stay in some incredible hidden location eco-hotels. My aim is to transport you, my audience, to inspirational and cultural global spots that are less visited and allow you to see the 'real' and authentic side of destinations through detailed guides with a sprinkling of luxury. The spotlight is on eco-friendly responsible experiential travel with lifelong memories.

You May Also Like

VALENCIA: WHY SPAIN’S THIRD LARGEST CITY IS ONE NOT TO BE MISSED

16th July 2017

6 BEAUTIFUL HISTORICAL AUTUMN WALKS IN LEICESTERSHIRE

30th September 2020

COASTAL SPLENDOUR AT THE BELMOND HOTEL CARUSO, RAVELLO

25th October 2018
  • Rubina
    13th September 2021

    What a wonderful post Be! Captured so well and highlighting causes of marine pollution! Thanks for making us all aware, great charity and for an amazing cause! Every little helps..:)

    Reply
    • Bejal
      Rubina
      13th September 2021

      Thankyou Rubina, it’s such a great charity and initiative. Thanks for learning more and you’re right, every little is a step towards the right direction.

      Reply
  • Scott McGlashan
    13th September 2021

    Love this project and so good that you are contributing and helping the planet. It’s such a big problem, I see plastic everywhere in the river near me 😞

    Reply
    • Bejal
      Scott McGlashan
      14th September 2021

      It’s brilliant isn’t it? Oh no Scott, that is a big problem, such a shame people can’t just put it in the dustbin and instead litter the streets and waterways.

      Reply
  • Louise Victoria Riis
    14th September 2021

    It is so horrible to see polluted beaches and rivers. I don’t understand why so many people don’t care and throw garbage everywhere! Thumbs up for taking part of such a great project
    Louise

    Reply
    • Bejal
      Louise Victoria Riis
      14th September 2021

      I know right, I cannot comprehend this myself. It’s pretty disgusting!Thanks so much, it’s definitely something I’d like to carry on being involved in.

      Reply
  • Camilla
    15th September 2021

    It is so awful to see the polluted beaches and rivers. The fact that people still don’t care is so incredible, great job on this!

    Reply
    • Bejal
      Camilla
      15th September 2021

      I know right, it’s awful isn’t it?! Such a shame and totally heartbreaking. Thanks for reading Camilla

      Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Previous Post
A GUIDE TO THE VERY BEST OF NORWICH, ENGLAND
Next Post
THEATRE SPOTLIGHT: CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF
Hi, I'm Bejal aka Be
Lets get acquainted

Lets get acquainted

Hello, I'm Be, an ex-scientist turned travel writer and digital content creator having travelled to 70 plus countries, all over the globe. My aim is to transport you to less visited inspirational and cultural global spots showing off the 'real' authentic side of destinations through detailed guides with a sprinkling of luxury. The spotlight is on eco-friendly responsible travel with lots of coffee spots and veggie food thrown in!

Jump to these here

Reads That May Interest You

About Be-lavie

Travel Destinations

UK Travel

Leicester Local

Food & Drinks

Beautiful World Hotels

Sustainable Travel & Eco-living

Join The Members only Community

Recommended Travel Resources

Amazon Associates Disclosure

Be-lavie is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com.

Looking for Something?

Current Location

Current Location

Leicester, UK

Book Your Next Stay

Booking.com

Always Travel With Insurance

Safety Wing Travel Insurance Graphic

Follow These Little Squares @be_lavie

Be-lavie Home page instagram-like grid

Travel Resources

Travel Resources Side bar Banner

Search For Your Flights Now

Book Tours

Powered by GetYourGuide

eSIM

Recent Posts

  • Cast of The Addams Family Musical UK Tour - Credit Pamela Raith. Images takes on stage during performance.

    THEATRE SPOTLIGHT: THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL SPECTACULAR AT CURVE LEICESTER

    16th July 2025
  • A temple in Hoi An, with 3 brick arches, which is covered covered in foliage adn plants

    A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN VIETNAM: 10 THINGS TO CONSIDER FOR RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

    26th June 2025
  • Bejal walking down North River road with the L train brides above, Chicago. Bejal is wearing a bright blue skirt and denim jacket with black cross body bag. She has white Veja trainers on.

    18 NON TOURISTY THINGS TO DO IN CHICAGO TO BEAT THE CROWDS

    14th June 2025
  • Landscape bar and middle aisle of Fifty The Street Restaurant, Loughborough framed from behind a plant

    SUSTAINABLE FOCUS: FIFTY THE STREET AT BURLEIGH COURT HOTEL, LOUGHBOROUGH: A STAYCATION

    25th May 2025
  • Cappuccino in a grey cup at Kanela, Chicago.

    12 OF THE BEST COFFEE SHOPS IN CHICAGO FOR VEGETARIANS & VEGANS

    14th May 2025
  • The Tina Turner Musical, Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy (Tina Turner) singing on stage with lead guitar player.

    THEATRE SPOTLIGHT: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL AT CURVE LEICESTER

    12th March 2025
  • The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe at Curve with the white witch adn the lion infront of a starry night sky backdrop

    THE LION THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE AT CURVE LEICESTER

    30th January 2025
  • Sustainability at The Datai Langkawi: Green tree frog in the lily pond

    PLEDGES OF SUSTAINABILITY AT THE DATAI LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA 

    28th January 2025
  • Sustainability at The Datai Langkawi: The Datai Bay with its powedery white sand, turquise blue sea and Tarutao Island in the distance

    6 BEAUTIFUL ECO-FRIENDLY HOTELS IN LANGKAWI & THEIR SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES

    28th January 2025
  • The lily pond at The Datai Langkawi with pink lilies, green lily pads and the lobby lounge in the distance

    STAY AT THE SUSTAINABLE LUXURY DATAI LANGKAWI RESORT: A REVIEW

    25th January 2025

Travel Resources

Affiliate Links Sidebar Widget

Search Categories

BE-LAVIE'S WORDS TO LIVE BY

'Travel the World, Experience the Culture, Feed your Curiosity, Enrich your Soul, Tell the Story'

More About Be-lavie

Instagram static images banner with 7 images
  • CONTACT
  • TESTIMONIALS
  • WORK WITH BE-LAVIE
  • COOKIE POLICY
  • DISCLOSURE POLICY
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright © 2025 Be-lavie. All Rights Reserved. | Site Powered by Pix & Hue.

Be-lavie is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Site Powered by Pix & Hue.