Last chance to enter MCS Big Sea Swim at Eastbourne

Our editor, Jonathan, has been trying to avoid the use of single use plastics. It’s a challenge set by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) to highlight the problem of non-biodegradable plastics ending up in our oceans, and to try to reduce some of the waste. As Jonathan has discovered, single use plastics are ubiquitous. Buying food that doesn’t include single use plastics as part of the packaging is really hard – just check out the fresh fruit display next time you’re in your local supermarket. While Jonathan hasn’t always succeeded in avoiding single use plastics, he says just trying has significantly changed his buying habits and made him much more aware of the problem.

However, if giving up single use plastics is too hard, here’s another – and perhaps easier – way to help the MCS: join their Big Sea Swim at Eastbourne on Saturday 16 July. The event is now in its fifth year and since 2012 has helped raise nearly £12,000 for the charity. Distances are either 1km or 3km and you can be confident of swimming in clean water as Eastbourne Beach received an ‘Excellent’ rating under the revised, and stricter, European Bathing Water Directive.

The event is being organised in conjunction with swim holiday experts, SwimTrek, and is supported by eco-fashion label, Rapanui, organic beauty experts, Green People, and organic food delivery company, Abel & Cole. They’ll all be at the event, treating swimmers to goodie bags and give-aways on the day.

You’ll need to move fast because entries close on Wednesday morning, 13 July.

Find out more: www.mcsuk.org/swim

Image: Lee Roberts