Our oceans are in deep trouble.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, over 300 million tons of plastic are produced every year for use in a wide variety of applications.
Of this, at least 14 million tonnes of plastic end up in the ocean annually, comprising around 80% of all marine debris found from surface waters to deep-sea sediments.
Not only is this a critical mass of material waste, but it is having a severe negative impact on the natural environment, particularly in marine environments, where the problems can be hidden.
During a visit to Antarctica Rob and Anna experience first-hand the effects of climate change on the marine environment and wildlife in such an important location.
Understanding our impact
It is not uncommon for marine species to ingest or become entangled in plastic debris, suffering from injury or death. It also washes up on beaches, harming tourism and costing large sums of money to clean up.
More worrying, is what happens to plastics in the ocean as they degrade and break down and convert into micro plastics. These are making their way into the food chains and having a devastating effect on many individual species.
The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development calls for action to ‘Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources’ (Goal 14) and ‘By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution’ (Target 14.1).
What we’re doing about it
TDP is committed to diverting plastic waste from landfill by taking disposed material and using it to create handcrafted outdoor furniture.
Our products are designed to have a minimal environmental impact during production and their use. All our products are defined as non-toxic, chemically inert, and safe for their intended uses and environments.
They also stand the test of time and are incredibly durable. They require very little maintenance in the form of chemical treatments or painting and they withstand the elements, maintaining a fresh and new look for decades.