Two from SOUP

These two stories are from Surfrider’s SOUP, “a weekly serving of coastal news Action Alerts” – which delivers ocean-related stories and images of the week.

First off: An entire town has banned plastic water bottles! Soup reports, “Concord, MA has become the first municipality in the country to ban sales of bottled water. Town residents last week approved the ban which will become effective January 1, 2011. The effort was led by 82-year old activist, Jean Hill who lobbied neighbors and officials about the consequences of plastic bottles clogging our nation's streets, landfills and oceans. The measure would allow the sale of refillable containers of water, which could still be sold and delivered in town.“ We could all use an 82 year old (82!!) activist that can kick a** like that, with BOTH FEET! Go Jean! Read the article here.

Next up: A group of Aussie surfers, "Guardians of the Pacific", has started a DIY (“do it yourself”) semi-guerilla campaign against plastic bottles. They have seen enough trash in the ocean and are fed up, so... They place uninvited stickers and placards in store display cases and on vending machines to encourage shoppers to make non-plastic choices. So far…stubbies still come in glass only… Check their website for downloadable items with which you can plaster your own local stores. AUSSSome.

You can sign up for Surfrider’s non-inbox-clogging weekly SOUP email variety blurbs, by going here and signing up (“Stay Informed” signup box is at the top left). Totally RAD!