Ocean plastic pollution is a growing global problem. More than eight million tons of plastics end up in the oceans every year, threatening human health and wildlife.
With concrete measures in critical areas, WWF aims to make a difference. Most of the plastic is washed into the ocean by rivers in Asia with a high population living in the surrounding region – and with little or no waste management systems. The funds raised will be used in Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand to improve existing trash disposal systems for more than 900 000 people.
Together with residents, authorities and businesses, WWF aims to reduce the amount of plastics in the oceans by 7000 tons per year: “We will collect and recycle trash that today ends up in nature, reduce unnecessary use of plastics and encourage decision-makers to commit to WWF’s goal of zero plastics astray by 2030”.
The fundraiser is one of the world’s largest, and has been organized annually since 1974. In total, more than 9 billion NOK is raised. The telethon is granted to a different Norwegian organization every year. Wall-to-wall TV and radio campaigns, activities, education programs, auctions, and thousands of volunteers across the country are part of the campaign. In the weeks leading up to the main day (October 18), the telethon is among the most visible news items in Norwegian media. This year, the pandemic effectively stops the long-time tradition of going door to door to raise money, so the fundraiser has gone all-digital.
The campaign's ambition is in line with Odfjell's ambitions and goals to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals - especially Goal 14: 'Life below water', and our commitment to the UN Sustainable Ocean Principles - Ocean Health and Productivity. Odfjell donated 50,000 NOK (approx. 5400 USD).
