Today we need to discuss a challenging topic that may seem unrelated to diving but is however part of a larger problem that we need to address as a community and as an industry: Plastic pollution.
The indiscriminate use of disposable plastics when conducting diving activities contributes to the plastic pollution problem that we as the human race are now facing. In most cases plastic ends negatively affecting our environment because the capacity of recycling is far surpassed by the amounts of plastic produced and used. Disposable plastic has a very short life if we compare it with hundreds of years that it takes to decompose.
We, as divers, spend a great deal of time in nature for our pleasure so we should be directly concerned. But how can we help mitigate the problem.
- Avoid buying disposable bottles by purchasing a reusable container, or bring one with you from home and refill!
- When visiting the Cenotes please be aware that waste collection systems might not implemented so we need to bring back with us ALL of our trash. Even when there is a trash can available at the cenote, the trash might end up dumped or burned in the jungle instead of properly disposed because of the lack of infrastructure.
- Avoid plastic straws and plastic bags, period. In case you need to order a drink at a restaurant “sin popote por favor”, at the grocery shop “sin bolsa por favor”.
These are just a few simple actions that can lead to a permanent change if we all join forces and make an effect as a community, acting as a catalyst for change. We need to continue working towards sustainable solutions for everyday challenges.
At ProTec we are doing our best to limit our impact on the environment. We have free drinking water supply for all divers, refills are on the house in both facilities, feel free to help yourself to drinking water daily instead of buying bottled water.
We also recycle plastic, aluminium and cardboard at both our Playa Del Carmen and Tulum facilities, which gets collected once a month and sent to the waste recycling program. Of course, lots of shops in the area are already doing this and we hope more and more join the fight towards a cleaner and safer environment.
It’s not just dive shops that can make a difference but gear manufacturers too. XDEEP became the first manufacturer in the scuba industry, which has eliminated single-use plastics from ALL retail packaging. From the large boxes, through backplate protectors, to the smallest bags – everything in our packaging is made of environmentally responsible, fully recyclable paper.
In 2018 a new bill was passed in our state forbidding the sales, purchase and use of disposable plastic items such as cutlery, plates and dishes, cups, straws and supermarket plastic bags. The law came into effect on 15th of December in all islands of Quintana Roo, and it will come into effect this summer on the continent. We look forward to seeing this new ruling enforced and the positive effect it will have on our environment for years to come.
ProTec supports a local short film project that has documented plastic pollution in our area to bring awareness to the diving community about the impacts of this type of waste. It was filmed in 2019 with a National Geographic grant and is narrated by Tamara Adame, a local instructor and dive guide based out of Playa Del Carmen.
If you wish to have a sneak peak of the film or contribute sharing within your network or making a donation please visit the following link https://donadora.org/campanas/mermaids-against-plastic