You may remember earlier in the year that we committed 1% of our sales to environmental non profits through 1% for the Planet. As paddlers we have a closer connection to the ocean than many. We buy equipment and accessories designed for use in the ocean, where we wish to go and play. Continuing on the same trajectory of consuming and discarding (product AND packaging), only sustains and continues environmental degradation. None of us want to paddle in a plastic sea and many more of us are becoming conscious consumers when considering the products that may play a part in the damage to our ecosystems. While we are a primarily digital company, we are part of a wider industry which is impacting the environment. Many companies have and/or are starting to be aware of this which is awesome - but we as individual paddlers can all do more. 

Through 1% for the Planet we are proud to announce our support of eXXpedition. 

eXXpedition is on a mission to explore and uncover new solutions to help solve the plastic pollution crisis. Research knowledge and interdisciplinary creativity is key for solving the issue of plastic pollution which is why we love the eXXpedition approach. They multi-disciplinary all-female crews on sailing research expeditions around the world. While on board the crew are able to explore solutions and understand how their individual skill sets can be used to reach a common goal. 

This blend of creativity solutions-based science, improved public knowledge and perception and community are key drivers for eXXpedition. These align with both our own backgrounds here at Paddle Logger as well as our values for the paddling community. As paddlers we spend a huge amount of our lives enjoying the benefits that being on the water brings, whether that is some form of mental escapism, physically testing oneself against the elements or simply enjoying being outdoors. We all have a responsibility to do more to protect our planet and our ocean playground. 

Excitingly on World Ocean Day 2020, eXXpedition launched the SHiFT platform. The SHiFT platform uses innovative technology to help users find their role and use their superpower to tackle ocean plastic pollution. By navigating hundreds of impactful solutions from sea to source, users can find the ones that are best for them to action based on how and where they want to make a change.

We at Paddle Logger are stoked to support this amazing organisation and its activities, that not only actively seek greater knowledge but provide a tangible methodology for solutions that are impactful at scale. 

As paddlers we can all do more - SHiFT can help.

What are your next steps? As responsible paddlers check out SHiFT.how or find it in the Paddle Logger App and see where you can make an impactful change to help our ocean playground.

MORE INFORMATION

eXXpedition is a Community Interest Company and not-for-profit organization that runs pioneering all-female sailing research expeditions to investigate the causes of and solutions to ocean plastic pollution. The mission is mid-way through a 38,000 nautical mile voyage round the world sponsored by Travel Edge, TOMRA, Red Ensign Group, 11th Hour Racing, Slaughter and May and SAP. See all eXXpedition Round the World sponsors, partners and supporters here. For further information about the Round the World plans click here.