Words by Nicole & Grace from @dipandclean
At Dip&Clean we are creating a community of conscientious swimmers, encouraging everyone to take just a few minutes to do a mini clean-up every time you swim.
Dip&Clean’s first feels, when we wade in, toes first … Baltic! That jarring feeling of shock mixed with extreme cold, mildly stinging shoots up the spine, two more steps, mind over matter. Don’t think too much, just breathe. Believe in the truth that the water is safe and will envelope us with its revitalizing soft embrace- take the plunge.
Heads dunks under, the rush through our bodies is unreal, a bolt upwards breaking the surface of the water letting out shrieks. Breathe some more and let it wash over us, that calm cool sensation, leaving us feeling elated and so blissfully aware of our sense of belonging in this world, of harmony with nature.
“Every clean-up we take part in protects our environment, prevents plastic from entering our oceans, and raises awareness about the global issue of plastic pollution”
The stinging feeling has gone, now replaced by that intense elation from the dopamine released in the brain rushing to each extremity… and then there it is, ecstasy, that heightened state of mind where nothing can touch us, we’re safe, happy, surrounded by the energy from which we were created.
We make the swim full cycle with a quick sweep of our surroundings, noticing the plastic wrappers, the cigarette butts. Always taking a few minutes to clean up any marine debris we find, tracking it in the marine debris tracker. Knowing that by tracking data, we can advocate for change.
At Dip&Clean, one of our core values is “small acts add up.” We believe that the everyday actions of individual people, collectively, have the power to change the world. Simple choices you make, like whether you buy recycled materials, refuse a takeaway cup, or take part in a beach clean up all add up.
“Imagine if each time one person went for a swim, they spent a few minutes on a beach clean-up… The results could be transformational”
We know we can’t protect what we do not know, which is why we encourage others to get outdoors for a swim. The more we connect with our natural playground, the more we have fun in it, the more we feel an innate sense of connection to this body of water and all biodiversity within it
Every clean-up we take part in protects our environment, prevents plastic from entering our oceans, and raises awareness about the global issue of plastic pollution. Dips and clean-ups also allow us to reconnect with nature, nurturing our natural playground, allowing us to meet like-minded neighbours, and inspire others to get involved. While the data we gather is used to fight plastic pollution and bring to decision makers.
Our dream is to see everyone deep diving and getting involved. Imagine if each time one person went for a swim, they spent a few minutes on a beach clean-up… The results could be transformational.
So get in the water, have fun, feel connected, as often as possible And don’t forget to make a difference every time you play in the sea, by taking a few minutes to pick up any trash you find, sharing with our community of conscientious swimmers @dipandclean.
