Impact

Bringing attention to ocean plastic pollution and playing our part in a cleaner future for our ocean.

Ocean Plastic Pollution

Did you know that eight million tonnes of plastic are dumped into the ocean every year? That’s a whole garbage truck per minute – and 80 per cent of that comes from land-based sources. It means that if no action is taken, the ocean will contain more plastic than fish by 2050.

As ocean racers, all those involved in the Volvo Ocean Race recognise the critical environmental challenge facing us. That's why the Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18 Sustainability Programme centres on Ocean Health with a focus on plastic pollution.

With the race’s global platform we have a unique opportunity and clear responsibility to fight for this urgent issue. We want to play our part in a cleaner future for our oceans.

© Pedro Martinez/Volvo Ocean Race

We want to create awareness, activate discussion, highlight local relevancy and put out a call to action to businesses, governments and individuals to play their part in turning the tide on plastic.

Our Sustainability Programme

In developing our Sustainability Programme we have identified three clear directives:

Maximise IMPACT | Minimise FOOTPRINT | Leave a positive LEGACY

Education

We know that the future of our ocean's health is in young people's hands. We invite schools and families to our Race Villages to learn what they can do to help. Click here to know more about our Sustainability Education Programme online.