Humans love consumption. Whether it’s watching endless hours of YouTube, impulsively buying new clothes, or eating everything you can find in the fridge, consumption is just a part of our lifestyle.

However, it comes at a cost. Due to our unhealthy addiction to plastic products, it’s estimated that around 8 million pieces of plastic enter the ocean every day.

Yes, every single day.

Luckily, there’s hope. An increasing number of businesses are dedicating their efforts to helping the planet in numerous ways. One such example is Dorsal Bracelets, a company leading the fight against plastic pollution.

In this article, we’ll explore the issues with plastic pollution, how Dorsal Bracelets is using their platform for change, and what you can do to reduce your own plastic consumption.

Growing up in the town of Charleston, South Carolina, Chad Ross has always loved the beach. This led him to start his first T-shirt company in college, where a percentage of all proceeds were donated to ocean conservation efforts. Originally intending to become a dentist, Ross decided to pursue a career in the e-commerce space instead.

Taking his experience and knowledge learned from his first business, Ross wanted to start a new company that stood out while still making a difference. I had the chance to email Ross and ask him a few questions about Dorsal. When asked how he came up with the idea for the company, he stated:

“I knew I wanted a one-size fits all product because it’s very hard to maintain inventory with 5 sizes of shirts, and I wanted it to be lightweight so shipping could be affordable for customers, which led me to jewelry. So I ultimately combined my passion for the beach with jewelry and Dorsal was born!”

By partnering with various organizations, the sale of each item helps remove one pound of plastic from the ocean, funds coral restoration, and aids in ocean conservation.

In order to make the biggest impact, Dorsal Bracelets partners with three different organizations. Their current partners include:

Let’s take a closer look at each one and the incredible work they’re doing around the world.

Coralive is a non-profit organization focused on protecting and restoring our ocean’s coral. Through the utilization of restoration technology, Coralive found that coral growth increased 300% more than it would have naturally. With this technology, Coralive is helping conserve our oceans and restore a necessary part of the marine ecosystem.

Empower Eco is an organization that works to reduce plastic pollution by collecting plastic from beaches, waterways, and inland environments. Using blockchain technology, Empower Eco is helping create a circular supply chain for the production and recycling of plastics. By employing individuals in marginalized communities, Empower Eco isn’t just making an impact on the environment, they’re also making an impact on the lives of people around the world.

The Ocean Agency is an international non-profit organization dedicated to marine research and ocean conservation. From inventing the first SVII underwater camera to producing the Emmy-winning documentary Chasing Coral, The Ocean Agency is using creativity and cutting-edge technology to accelerate ocean science and conservation.

As of June 2021 with the help of these organizations, Dorsal Bracelets has removed 113,722 pounds of plastic from the oceans, planted 615 coral fragments, and donated $1,920 to ocean conservation efforts.

Dorsal Bracelets believe they have a responsibility to make as big an impact as possible. That’s why their ultimate goal is to eliminate single-use plastics, spread awareness about global pollution, and restore aquatic ecosystems. Dorsal’s founder states:

“Our biggest goal is always to spread awareness as much as possible. We know that removing one pound of trash doesn’t seem like a lot. But when it’s removing a pound of trash plus inspiring people to use less plastic or dispose of trash properly, then that leads to a huge impact.”

With the hope that a single bracelet can start a conversation, Dorsal serves as a reminder that we only have one life and one planet, so we must do everything we can to protect it.

So what exactly can you do to help?

For starters, reducing your consumption of single-use plastics is one of the most effective methods there is. Instead of buying single-use plastic water bottles, bring a reusable water bottle wherever you go. Instead of using plastic grocery bags at the store, bring your own reusable bag. These simple replacements may not seem like much, but they can make a world of difference.

If you find yourself having to use plastic products or containers, make sure to recycle them correctly. This will eliminate any chance of the plastic polluting the environment or making its way into the ocean.

Finally, support small businesses that are making a difference, like Dorsal Bracelets. Nowadays, there are so many businesses making a positive impact on the planet. You just have to do a bit of digging to find them.

There are many ways we can help conserve the oceans and combat plastic pollution. And as Dorsal Bracelets has found, sometimes all it takes is starting conversations and inspiring others.