Hey everyone and welcome to my very first blog post!
I wanted to quick this blog off with something close to my heart. As someone who finds endless inspiration in the stunning Welsh coast, I believe it's crucial to give back to the environment that fuels our creativity and joy. That’s why a portion of every print sold from my shop goes to two amazing charities: Surfers Against Sewage and the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Today, I want to dive into why I’m all in for Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) and how your support makes a splash of difference.
Why I’m All In for Surfers Against Sewage:
Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) is an incredible charity with a mission to protect the UK’s oceans, rivers, and beaches for everyone to enjoy. Founded in 1990 by a group of surfers in Cornwall, SAS has grown into a powerful environmental force tackling the most pressing issues facing our marine environments today. They focus on combating sewage pollution, plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss, working tirelessly to ensure our coastlines remain pristine and vibrant.
SAS isn’t just about surfing; they represent all who love and depend on the ocean, from swimmers and sailors to coastal communities and wildlife enthusiasts. Their approach is multifaceted, involving direct action, scientific research, community engagement, and policy advocacy. They aim to hold polluters accountable and drive systemic change to protect our precious marine ecosystems.
Why SAS, you ask? Their hands-on approach and relentless spirit resonate with me. They’re not just talking the talk; they’re out there making real change happen, from cleaning up beaches to influencing environmental policies. Supporting them means supporting a cleaner, healthier ocean for all of us.
My Paddleout Protest Experience:
Just a couple of weeks ago, myself and a couple of my friends joined the Surfers Against Sewage paddleout protest at Caswell Bay in Gower. Armed with our placards (even if they were a little soggy!) and our paddleboards, we paddled out with over 70 other ocean lovers to demand an end to sewage pollution by 2030. It was the first protest I have ever been to and it was a fantastic experience! Picture this: surfers, activists, and ocean lovers all paddling out together across the whole of the UK, united by a common cause. The energy was incredible, and being part of such a passionate crowd was both humbling and inspiring.
This experience lit a fire in me. It was a vivid reminder of why I support SAS and why every little bit of help counts. Seeing firsthand how dedicated people are to protecting our oceans made me even more committed to this cause.
Photo credit: Viv Ross-Smith
Why Chloe Evans Designs Supports Surfers Against Sewage:
At Chloe Evans Designs, my connection to the Welsh coast runs deep. The breathtaking landscapes and serene seascapes inspire my art and bring a piece of coastal beauty into your homes. But with that inspiration comes a responsibility to protect and preserve these environments.
Supporting SAS aligns perfectly with my values for several reasons:
- Holistic Approach: Surfers Against Sewage addresses the root causes of marine pollution through comprehensive strategies. Their campaigns target immediate clean-up efforts and long-term policy changes.
- Community Focus: SAS empowers local communities to take action. They organise beach clean-ups and educational programs, fostering a sense of stewardship and community involvement.
- Real-Time Impact: Tools like the Safer Seas & Rivers Service provide real-time information on water quality, helping us all make safe choices for ocean activities.
- Ambitious Goals: SAS is committed to ending sewage pollution by 2030, a goal I wholeheartedly support. Clean oceans are not just a dream but a necessity for future generations.
By donating a portion of every print sold to Surfer Against Sewage, we’re contributing to their crucial work and helping to ensure that the beauty of our coastlines endures.
The Safer Seas & Rivers Service:
One of the standout tools SAS offers is the Safer Seas & Rivers Service, an invaluable resource for ocean lovers like me. This service provides real-time information on sewage spills around the UK, helping surfers, swimmers, and families make informed decisions about where and when it's safe to enjoy the water.
As someone who loves spending time in the ocean with my family, the Safer Seas Map is a game-changer. It helps us stay safe and avoid areas affected by pollution, ensuring our beach trips are both fun and safe. It’s another reason I’m so passionate about supporting SAS – they’re not just advocating for cleaner seas, they’re providing practical tools to help us all stay safe.
Why Now Is the Time to Act:
With a general election happening in just 6 weeks, now is the perfect time to make our voices heard. We need to demand action from our MPs and the future government in their policies and to implement ambitious initiatives to end sewage pollution in our oceans and rivers by 2030. This is our chance to push for real change and ensure our waters are clean and safe for everyone.
Photo credit: Carys Griffiths
Chloe Evans Designs isn't just about beautiful prints – it's about making a real difference. Supporting Surfers Against Sewage is a way to give back to the amazing environment that inspires us every day. When you buy a print, you’re not just getting a piece of art; you’re contributing to a cleaner, safer ocean.
How You Can Choose Which Charity to Support:
I'm thrilled to offer you the opportunity to choose where your donation goes with each print you purchase. It's simple and empowering, thanks to the Virtue widget I use for donations. Here’s how it works:
- Find Your Favourite Print: Browse through our collection and select the print you love.
- Select Your Charity: Just below the "Add to Cart" button on the product page, you’ll see the Virtue widget.
- Make Your Choice: Click the button that says "Keeping our beaches beautiful for everyone" to select Surfers Against Sewage as your chosen charity.
- Add to Basket: Once you’ve made your selection, proceed to add the print to your basket.
By doing this, you ensure that £1 from each print sold goes directly to supporting Surfers Against Sewage and their vital work in keeping our oceans clean and safe. Thank you for helping me make a difference!
Together, we can help protect our stunning coastlines and marine life for future generations.
Want to find out how else you can get involved? Check out Surfers Against Sewage’s website to learn more about their awesome work and find out how you can join the fight!
Header photo credit: Carys Griffiths