An organisation against oceanic waste
The ocean: an infinite mosaic of shimmering colors and mysterious depths. It's the cradle of life, it connects us, teaches respect for nature, and serves as an endless source of inspiration. Beautiful, isn't it? If it weren't for one thing. Well, not just 'one', but approximately 140 million tons of trash polluting our oceans. Thus, in every square kilometer of the ocean, hundreds of thousands of pieces of plastic waste are floating. A threat not just to the ocean's beauty but also to the animals, humans, and even our drinking water. However, there is hope, thanks to individuals like Reyanne Mustafa. As a Wavemaker for 4ocean, Reyanne participates in cleanup projects worldwide, raising awareness through storytelling and art.
“It's time to act, to stand up and speak through our actions.”
On cause and effect
One may wonder how plastic even ends up in the ocean or on beaches, when it’s supposed to be disposed of correctly. The root causes of this pollution are numerous. Primarily it stems from human actions and inefficient waste management systems. A significant portion of the debris entering the environment is made up of non-biodegradable plastics, which can accumulate in the oceans for centuries. Inadequate disposal and management of waste worldwide results in trash being carried into rivers and eventually the oceans. Moreover, the prevalent use of disposable products and a lack of global coordination to address this issue exacerbate the situation. This not only harms marine life and ecosystems but also impacts human health and economic well-being.
From individual to global impact
4ocean, located in Boca Raton, Florida, is a passionate ocean cleanup organisation launched in 2017 by Alex Schulze and Andrew Cooper, who were moved to action after witnessing the devastating impact of oceanic waste first-hand during a trip. Driven by the mission to rid the oceans of plastic, 4ocean operates a global operation that cleans oceans, rivers, and coastlines, employing full-time captains and crews. A key part of their funding comes from selling bracelets made from reclaimed plastic, turning pollution into a force for change. Through these efforts, they successfully removed millions of pounds of trash from the marine environment, making a heartfelt contribution to ocean conservation.
Leading by example
Everyone can make an important contribution. Reyanne knows that. Reyanne, a passionate Wavemaker, climate activist and storyteller, has built her very own connection to the sea. Throughout her life, this bond was formed and shaped by all kinds of circumstances. Be it surfing or travelling, the sea is where she can be found. Her relation to the ocean is deep and personal and she has committed herself to protecting this unique ecosystem. This is why she urges to address the growing hazards and challenges, which must be overcome in order to protect our environment. “In every piece of plastic I find on the beach, I see a missed opportunity to save our oceans”, she says, her voice vibrating with passion. “But I refuse to accept that it’s too late. We can and must act.”
Hope is up to us
In her current mission with 4ocean in Bali, Reyanne reveals the severe consequences of the plastic crisis, caused by human consumption. “Every day, we see how plastic not only pollutes our seas but directly affects the lives of people here.” That’s why she became a living call to action to be a wave of change.
A lasting impression
"Each of us knew that every cleaned square meter counts." Reyanne emphasizes that every contribution, no matter how small, has an impact. Even a creative, beautiful one: “I use my art as a megaphone to uniquely tell about climate change and motivate people to act.”
