The Inflatable Crisis: What Happens to Your Flamingo After the Holiday?
As you pack your suitcase for a much-anticipated holiday, have you ever considered what happens to the inflatable flamingo, unicorn, or donut you bought for poolside fun? Many travellers do not, and the environmental impact is staggering. A recent survey commissioned by Thomas Cook reveals that over half of holidaymakers (53%) intend to discard their inflatables this year, leaving them behind on beaches and at resorts. The result is a growing tide of plastic pollution that threatens marine life and coastal ecosystems. It’s a crisis that demands urgent attention.
The Growing Threat of Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution is not just an eyesore; it’s a major environmental threat. The oceans, already burdened by tons of plastic waste, suffer further damage from discarded holiday inflatables. Marine animals, from turtles to dolphins, mistake these brightly coloured plastics for food, often with fatal consequences. The sight of a deflated flamingo washed up on a beach might seem trivial, but it represents a much larger problem. “We all have a role to play in protecting the environment, whether that’s at home or on holiday,” said Jennifer Mitchell, Marine Conservation Society’s director of engagement and communications.
A Campaign for Change: Thomas Cook and the Marine Conservation Society
In partnership with the Marine Conservation Society, Thomas Cook has launched a campaign to encourage more environmentally friendly holiday habits. The message is clear: reduce, reuse, recycle. Whether through beach clean-ups or hotel recycling initiatives, there are ways for everyone to make a difference. “Chilling out on a lilo is part of the holiday fun, but the impact of abandoned inflatables is often overlooked,” said McCann Birmingham executive creative director Adam Bodfish.
Eye-Catching Campaigns to Raise Awareness
To drive the message home, Thomas Cook has rolled out a visually striking campaign created by McCann Birmingham. Posters displayed in airports depict half-deflated inflatable animals like orcas, turtles, and dolphins, drawing a stark contrast between beach fun and environmental responsibility. The aim is to capture the attention of holidaymakers as they travel, urging them to think twice before leaving inflatables behind. “Airports are busy places, so we needed to find an original and creative way to really grab the attention of holiday makers,” Bodfish explained.
Key Findings from the Survey
The survey conducted by YourSayPays offers important insights into consumer behaviour:
- 37% of respondents purchased an inflatable for their last or upcoming holiday.
- 47% always bring inflatables back home, considering it a waste of money not to.
- 34% would recycle if their hotel provided a recycling service.
- 47% cited relaxing in the pool or sea as their main reason for purchasing inflatables.
- 30% bought inflatables because their children enjoy playing with them.
- 20% are concerned about the environmental impact on local environments.
- 45% consider their environmental impact but feel powerless to effect change.
- 21% value beach and sea cleanliness due to their enjoyment of these spaces.
Leading the Way: Hotels with Recycling Initiatives
Several hotel chains are now supporting the campaign by offering inflatable recycling centres. Thomas Cook is eager to collaborate with more hotels and private owners who wish to join this environmental effort. The initiative aims to provide guests with convenient options to dispose of their inflatables responsibly.
Call to Action: Will You Join the Movement?
The success of this initiative relies on collective action. By adopting responsible practices, travellers can significantly reduce their plastic footprint. Here are some simple steps you can take:
- Reuse Inflatables: Bring them back home for future holidays or lend them to friends.
- Participate in Beach Clean-Ups: Join local efforts to keep beaches free of plastic waste.
- Use Hotel Recycling Facilities: Take advantage of any recycling services provided by your accommodation.
- Pass Them On: Leave inflatables with hotel staff or other guests if you can’t take them home.
A Shared Responsibility
The responsibility to protect our environment is shared. As holidaymakers, we can enjoy our vacations while also making conscious choices that preserve the beauty and health of our destinations. “The stark imagery in this Thomas Cook campaign shows how closely our litter and marine life are linked,” Mitchell emphasised. By raising awareness and changing behaviours, we can all contribute to a cleaner, greener planet.
In this digital age, where sustainability is more crucial than ever, Thomas Cook’s campaign is a vital reminder of the impact our holiday habits have on the environment. By taking small steps, we can collectively make a significant difference. Will you join the movement to protect our oceans and marine life? The time for change is now.
Reference: https://www.thomascook.com/animal-welfare-policy/reduce-waste-plastic-inflatables
