Hook lighthouse shines a light on saving our seas

To coincide with World Lighthouse Day, Hook lighthouse on Ireland’s southeast coast is opening (10/08) an Eco Education Station under the theme of ‘save our seas’.

Located at the former plant room, the exhibition will be a mix of digital and hands-on activities to illustrate the cycle of water: how it is affected by global warming (sea levels, tides, currents, wind, temperature, plastics) along with human interaction and individual responsibility.

Visitors will be invited to take a pledge to help reduce sea pollution by using less plastic and disposing of it properly.

Hook Lighthouse manager Ann Waters says it’s time for action on climate change:

“There is small movement and certainly more awareness around ecological living but more than radical change is needed.

“Of the 9.1bn tons of plastic produced since 1950, close to 7bn tons are no longer in use. An estimated 9% has been recycled, 12% incinerated and the remaining 5.5bn tons remains in the oceans and land.”

“With this in mind, knowing that even biodegradable plastic doesn’t necessarily decompose the way it should, depending on where it ends up, there really is only one solution: use zero to as little plastic as you possibly can.”

In 2012, Hook Lighthouse implemented an environmental strategy that focuses on waste and energy reduction. All paper, cardboard, cans (tin and aluminium) plastic, glass, electrical waste and cloths, is recycled. Where possible, only local produced in used in the café.

Official opening, Saturday, August 10. Details from Hook Lighthouse