Maldives SHiFT Archives - eXXpedition

Press release: Key findings from a plastic pollution assessment in Maldives May 8th, 2024

If there’s one thing our research reinforces, it

If there’s one thing our research reinforces, it’s the importance of working together to tackle ocean plastic pollution.

#eXXpedition #plasticpollution #changemakers #oceanplastics #microplastics #marinescience #marineresearch #oneocean

Let’s talk solutions! 💡Extended Producer Res

Let’s talk solutions!

💡Extended Producer Responsibility

We now know that a whopping 95% of products on store shelves in Maldives are imported. International companies profit from selling their goods here, but they’re not helping to manage the waste they generate. That’s why it’s crucial to push for ‘Extended Producer Responsibility’ - it’s about time they share the cost of waste management! This is especially relevant as international discussions on plastic pollution heat up, like the UN Global Plastics Treaty negotiations.

💡Ditch the SUP bottle

Single-use plastic bottles are a big problem, easily ranking high among the most common litter items found in Maldives. From our interviews it became clear that community members are concerned about the safety and taste of tap water, driving the need for in-home water filtration as well as reusable glass bottles. By leveraging existing filling infrastructure, drinking water could be provided to residents with far less plastic waste generation!

💡Is recycling really the answer?

In Maldives, it’s not that simple. As we’ve discussed in this series, limited recycling systems, high costs and the logistical challenges presented by the remote geography of the islands make recycling a far less feasible solution in Maldives. Even ‘easily’ recyclable items like plastic bottles and aluminium cans were in the top 10 most prevalent litter items in the surveys. So, let’s question the emphasis on recycling and focus on practical, sustainable alternatives.

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This post is part of our #ScienceSpotlight on Maldives SHiFT.

Maldives SHiFT is a project in collaboration with @defrauk @cefasgovuk @moenvmv @universityofga @mnuedu_ @parleymaldives @commonwealth_sec @mdvinuk @ukinmaldives @faunafloraint

#communityempowerment #sustainable #solutions #maldivesshift #maldives #shift #exxpedition #seatosource #solutionfocused #changemakers #createchange #ourocean #plasticpollution #oceanplastics #microplastic #blueplanetfund #bluecharter

How did the voyage change your life? 🎤 At the

How did the voyage change your life? 🎤

At the premiere of X Trillion earlier this year, we asked the crew how their time at sea shaped what has happened since. Here’s what they had to say!

Our mission is to bring people directly to the heart of the issue of plastic pollution, empowering them to take their stories and experiences back home.

Judging from their responses, we think it’s safe to say their experience had a big impact!

Catch a screening of @xtrillionfilm near you, to take a peek at what life was like on board and dive into the adventure!

#xtrillion #xtrillionfilm #exxpedition #plasticpollution #microplastics #independentfilm #filmmakers #filmsforchange #sailing #womeninscience #womeninstem #womeninsailing #womenleaders #womenoftheworld #wavesofchange #exxpedition #changemakers

Being able to support communities in their efforts

Being able to support communities in their efforts to reduce plastic pollution is crucial. For Maldives SHiFT we were fortunate to gain recognition and invaluable support from some amazing organisations and partners who truly understood the importance of the project.

Our founder, @missemilypenn, caught up with @heidiprislan, the Blue Charter Advisor from @commonwealth_sec to dive deeper into the work they do and the different ways they strive to support Maldives in making positive changes in the battle against plastic pollution.

The Commonwealth Secretariat played a significant role in supporting our work alongside the Blue Charter - a government focused initiative which seeks to pave the way for ocean sustainability across Commonwealth countries.

Listen in to hear more insight from Heidi!

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This post is part of our #ScienceSpotlight on Maldives SHiFT.

Maldives SHiFT is a project in collaboration with @defrauk @cefasgovuk @moenvmv @universityofga @mnuedu_ @parleymaldives @commonwealth_sec @mdvinuk @ukinmaldives @faunafloraint

#maldivesshift #maldives #shift #exxpedition #commonwealthsec #bluecharter #solutions #seatosource #IGlive #solutionfocused #changemakers #createchange #ourocean #plasticpollution #oceanplastics #microplastics #BluePlanetFund #bluecharter

As the season changes so does our wardrobe, and wh

As the season changes so does our wardrobe, and what better opportunity to take a closer look at what we are wearing.

In our latest blog, step into a world where style meets sustainability, and your wardrobe becomes a powerful statement for positive change. In the fast-paced realm of fashion, where trends come and go, there lies a transformative journey towards conscious choices and eco-friendly elegance. Using solutions from our SHiFT platform, we guide you through our top 7 solutions to help you redefine your relationship with the clothes you wear, exploring the vibrant and exciting landscape of sustainable fashion. From mindful shopping habits to embracing ethical brands, join us as we unravel the threads of change, weaving a narrative that fuses fashion with making a positive shift towards a healthier planet.

Get ready to make a lasting impact - one outfit at a time.

#jointheshift #shiftmovement #plasticpollution #changemakers #oceanplastics #microplastics #slowfashion #sustainableclothing #innovation #outdoors #solutionfocused

A bittersweet encounter. Watching an albatross gl

A bittersweet encounter.

Watching an albatross glide gracefully over the ocean should be a breathtaking moment. But when you realise there are trillions of pieces of plastic floating on the surface, the magic is shattered. The very waters these magnificent birds rely on are being polluted, putting their future - and the ocean’s health - in jeopardy.

This clip from @xtrillionfilm is a stark reminder that even in the most remote corners of our planet, human impact runs deep and our actions on land have a ripple effect on life at sea.

🎥: @larkrisepictures

#xtrillion #xtrillionfilm #exxpedition #plasticpollution #seabirds #microplastics #independentfilm #filmmakers #filmsforchange #sailing #womeninscience #womeninstem #womeninsailing #womenleaders #womenoftheworld #wavesofchange #exxpedition #changemakers #oceanhealth

It was so great to catch up with everyone at the @

It was so great to catch up with everyone at the @blueearthsummit last week! @missemilypenn was sharing the stage with @siansutherland from @aplasticplanet and an amazing array of innovators sharing their solutions for a future of materials… post-plastic!

There’s no silver bullet to the plastic problem and the panelists and audience discussion demonstrated that there really are hundreds of ways to tackle it. Thank you to everyone who shared their insights and are working every day to come up with innovative solutions.

📸: Harry McCulloch

#changemakers #blueearthsummit #plasticpollutionsolutions #naturebasedsolutions #oceanaction #seatosource #inspringwomen #actnow #wavesofimpact #plasticpollution #microplastics #emilypenn #exxpedition

Time for Action 💪 In October 2023, stakeholder

Time for Action 💪

In October 2023, stakeholders from various sectors convened in Malé to discuss the initial results of the Circularity Assessment. With 75 participants from government, industry, NGOs, academia, and international experts, the meeting was a hub of connection and collaboration. Together, we shared ideas and discussed innovative solutions to tackle plastic pollution head-on. The energy and enthusiasm in the room was palpable!

Despite the challenges, the Maldivian community is committed to protecting their environment. From NGOs to government officials, everyone is dedicated to finding new ways to reduce plastic pollution and create a brighter future.

Take a look at the action plan ideas generated during our workshop - they’re just a glimpse of the inspiring initiatives to come. With continued support and resources, they’re poised to make a real difference!

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This post is part of our #ScienceSpotlight on Maldives SHiFT.

Maldives SHiFT is a project in collaboration with @defrauk @cefasgovuk @moenvmv @universityofga @mnuedu_ @parleymaldives @commonwealth_sec @mdvinuk @ukinmaldives @faunafloraint

#communityempowerment #sustainable #maldivesshift #maldives #shift #exxpedition #solutions #seatosource #solutionfocused #changemakers #createchange #ourocean #plasticpollution #oceanplastics #microplastics #actionplan #takeaction #BluePlanetFund #BlueCharter

What is @xtrillionfilm all about? Hear from our a

What is @xtrillionfilm all about?

Hear from our amazing crew what the film is all about!

This inspiring documentary follows 14 women on an epic 3,000 nautical mile journey through the North Pacific Gyre. Along the way, they uncovered an unimaginable truth - X Trillion pieces of plastic polluting our oceans.

Packed with adventure, discovery, science, and solidarity, it’s a film that will leave you inspired and ready to take action for our planet 🌍

X Trillion will be screening tomorrow, Wednesday 9th October, in Norway at the Studentersamfundet i Trondhjem and our fantastic ambassador and North Pacific crew member @kristinemarieh will be there to share more insight into her experience and answer any questions!

🎥: @larkrisepictures

#xtrillion #xtrillionfilm #exxpedition #plasticpollution #microplastics #independentfilm #filmmakers #filmsforchange #sailing #womeninscience #womeninstem #womeninsailing #womenleaders #womenoftheworld #wavesofchange #exxpedition #changemakers #oceanhealth

It was a really interesting time to run the Maldiv

It was a really interesting time to run the Maldives SHiFT programme, as Maldives had recently enacted their Single-use Plastic Phase-Out Plan to target plastic products commonly found in litter and marine environments. The plan targets plastic pollution head-on by banning SUP to-go foodware like straws, styrofoam boxes, and single-use plastic cutlery. But it’s not just about restrictions; it’s about innovation and progress.

During the implementation of this plan, our study revealed some fascinating insights: while many businesses have transitioned to alternative materials like wood, bamboo, and paper, there’s still room for improvement. These materials are still predominantly single-use and are not recycled so they still contribute to overall waste generation. Reusable options, though present, are not yet widespread.

So the opportunity is for greater access and support for businesses to source suitable and affordable reusable alternatives while increasing community awareness on the benefits of reusable products that don’t need to be thrown away.

📸: Erica Cirino

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This post is part of our #ScienceSpotlight on Maldives SHiFT.

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Maldives SHiFT is a project in collaboration with @defrauk @cefasgovuk @moenvmv @universityofga @mnuedu_ @parleymaldives @commonwealth_sec @mdvinuk @ukinmaldives @faunafloraint

#communityempowerment #SUPPhaseout #sustainable #maldivesshift #maldives #shift #exxpedition #solutions #seatosource #solutionfocused #changemakers #createchange #ourocean #plasticpollution #oceanplastics #microplastics #wastemanagement #circulareconomy #BluePlanetFund #BlueCharter

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