Every piece of plastic created still exists somewhere, and more than eight million tons of the stuff makes its way to the ocean every year. Plastic pollution is an overwhelming issue, and it can be hard to know where to begin when it comes to taking action. Which is why we want you to start small and tackle just one item; plastic straws.

Operation Straw is a cleanup initative designed to tackle to the prolific amount of plastic found in Manly Cove and beyond. Manly Cove in Sydney, Australia is a hotspot for plastic pollution, and in particular, straws. Since Summer 2018, volunteers from across the Northern Beaches and beyond have gathered regularly to jump in the ocean for a STRAWkle (that's a snorkle for straws) and other marine debris.

Operation Straw is an Ally of Clean Up Australia because we believe the health of our oceans is a key aspect of the future and something that every generation should get to enjoy. Together we can prevent rubbish entering our oceans and impacting ocean-dwelling species through regular clean up events, documenting and reporting our finds, and encouraging local community members to make a swap for good.

You can join a STRAWkle below: