Garrett McNamara hopes his new initiative will encourage world leaders and companies to reduce waste and production of plastic. A record-breaking big wave surfer has launched a campaign to fight plastic pollution in the sea. Garrett McNamara says his wants to "give back" to the ocean that gave him fame after he broke the record for the biggest wave ever surfed.

    The American's campaign follows Sky Ocean Rescue which has been looking for solutions to the scourge of plastic in our waters. "Everything I have came from the ocean and I feel it's time to give back," McNamara said. "The government needs to declare a state of emergency and mandate laws now."

    The 51-year-old, from Massachusetts, set his first record olf Naeare, Portugal in 2011 when he rode a 78tt (24 meters) wave. Two years later he beat it by riding a 100t (30 meters) wave at sane spot. McNamara's surting cateer sultered a setback in 2016 alter he fell off his board and badly fractured his left arm.

    He says he is now pursuing a "bigger purpose and hopes his new imitiative will encourage world leaders and companies to reduce waste and production of plastic. According to the United Nations, more than eight million tones of plastic leak nto the ocean every year, costing the lives of one million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals. McNamara said: "I would like to start at the root. where it's being produced and where if's being given out.

    "Big corporations are a perfect place to start." So far the surfer and his team have convinced outdoor clothing company Thule to make a backpack from recycled ocean plastic. His aim is to persuade 20 companies to change the materials they use by the end of 2020. The campaign will also include beach clean ups, awareness events and using social media to encourage people to reduce their own plastic footprint.
 

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