Need
“Ocean Friendly Establishments was launched out of concern about the overwhelming amount of plastics polluting the Earth. Researchers have predicted there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by the year 2050. In an effort to reduce plastic pollution around the nation, owners and managers of certified OFEs have agreed to reduce plastic waste in their businesses by only serving straws upon request. As an individual, a small way to make a big impact is to skip the straw when ordering a beverage.”
Outcome
“Not only does the OFE campaign include restaurants that make changes to avoid plastic waste and become more sustainable (such as choosing compostable materials and avoiding plastic straws, Styrofoam, and plastic bags), but it also advocates for sustainability and ocean friendly practices in non-restaurant establishments (such as providing recycling or composting containers for employees and encouraging electronic documentation).
Many of the OFEs incorporate additional methods of protecting our environment and have earned a higher status for their efforts, with a 5-star rating being the top-level certification.”
Visit Ocean Friendly Establishment to learn more and/or to encourage a business to become an OFE
Topsail Island Shoreline Protection Commission 