When planning a holiday, many of us pack or purchase fun items for the trip, like pool inflatables, snorkels, and beach toys. Unfortunately, many of these one-off holiday items are often discarded after just a few days of use, leading to a significant environmental problem: ocean pollution.
Most pool inflatables and holiday items are made from plastic or vinyl materials that are not easily recyclable. After a holiday, these items are often left behind at resorts or thrown away, where they end up in landfills. Worse, some of them find their way into our oceans, contributing to the growing problem of plastic pollution.
Plastics in the ocean take hundreds of years to degrade. During this time, they break down into microplastics, which can harm marine life and damage ecosystems. Fish, turtles, and seabirds can mistake plastic fragments for food, often leading to fatal consequences.
What can holidaymakers do to prevent this? The answer lies in embracing more sustainable holiday practices. Instead of buying new pool inflatables or holiday accessories for each trip, consider reusing them or passing them on to other travellers. Apps like EcoFloats make this easier by allowing you to list and share pool inflatables, keeping them out of landfills and reducing ocean waste.
By making simple, sustainable choices, we can enjoy our holidays without leaving a trail of pollution behind. Next time you’re on holiday, remember that your pool inflatable could have a much longer life if it’s reused by others – and you’ll be helping protect our oceans in the process.