Trade plastic for a free glass of vino and help the beachhouse wines turn the tide on pollution

It’s no secret that the world is in the midst of an environmental crisis. One of the main causes of this crisis is the abundance of plastic and other litter that gets washed into our oceans, and then in turn affects sea life, entangling and choking everything from sea birds and seals to dolphins and whales, causing a slow and painful death when it’s ingested. It’s also alarming to learn that 90% of the Earth’s fish stocks have been overfished, and it’s predicted that by 2050 plastic items will outnumber fish in our seas. These are frightening statistics, and this sort of dire situation can make us all feel helpless, even apathetic in the face of the magnitude of the problem. But there is always something that we can do to make a difference, even if it’s in our own small way. 

Known for easy-drinking, uncomplicated, everyday quaffers, the beachhouse wines evoke lazy summer days at the seaside, where life slows down and relaxation is the order of the day. But no one wants to relax at a beach that’s polluted with plastic and other waste material. That’s why the beachhouse team (and participating outlets) are digging in and getting actively involved in co-organising a series of community beach clean-ups throughout the year, from the recent World Clean-up Day to ensuring beaches are cleared of harmful firework debris following Guy Fawkes Day celebrations, which can cause harm to sea birds and aquatic creatures once the revellers have all gone home and the fun is over.  

South Africa boasts some of the world’s finest, most beautiful coastlines, with 46 Blue Flag beaches listed last year. It’s one of the reasons why tourists flock here every year in increasing numbers. But keeping our beaches clean is a constant challenge when so many people use them, and exterior factors, such as wind blowing rubbish onto the sand from nearby urban areas can also be an issue. As a result, community beach clean-ups have become increasingly important, as many people are needed to keep our coastlines pristine and plastic-free throughout the year. 

Want to be part of the solution? Great! That’s what we like to hear. Visit the beachhouse wines website (thebeachhousewines.com) for useful information on ‘Simple things you can do to help save our straining planet’, and get eco-educated. You’ll also get updates on community clean-ups in your area. And while you’re browsing the website, you can learn about the beachhouse’s fantastic range of wines: a super-moreish, fruity and lively Sauvignon Blanc, rich in tropical fruit flavours; and a rollicking off-dry Rosé with red berry and Turkish delight sweetness, which lingers pleasantly on the tongue. Both are delicious summer sippers that are ideal picnic partners.

Don’t miss the upcoming Western Cape events, where you’ll get a complimentary glass of wine at the following participating outlets when you take part in the arranged beachhouse clean-ups: Surf Café (Central Beach, 9am to 11am, 17 November); Pili Pili (Swartvlei Beach, 4pm to 6pm, 20 November); and Viking Anchor Restaurant (Santos Beach, 4pm to 6pm, 22 November). Please support these venues for doing their bit to fight waste, meet like-minded ‘eco warriors’ and become part of a global movement to save our seas.

Together we can stop pollutants from getting into the sea, and protect our precious oceans and our threatened sea-life for our children and the generations to come. Let’s act now, before the tide has truly turned.