Selling trash
all over the world
Yes, I’m literally selling trash. (At least I’m honest enough to admit it 😊). I’m sure you have questions—many do. Over the years since I started selling this product, I think I have answered them all. Keep reading to find answers to the most frequently asked questions. If not, feel free to get in touch.
gems from the ocean
what is OceanTrash
The items of OceanTrash jewelry you find are truly gems from the ocean. They are however man-made gems and therefore do not belong in the ocean. Fish have no need for such gems, so let’s take them back.
I have been collecting ocean trash for years now, during walks on the beach and during surf sessions. Unfortunately, it can be done all over the planet. If there is a beach, there is trash to find.
I was just trying to do my bit for a cleaner planet. Around 8 to 12 million tons of trash wash up on beaches every year. In an attempt to not only reclaim but also reuse, I created OceanTrash jewelry, customized to start a second life.
for the Ocean
why OceanTrash
90% of all the world’s seabirds are estimated to have plastic in their stomachs. As if this isn’t shocking enough, this could reach 99% if we don’t take action now. Let alone what it does to other marine life. And what about the tons of trash that wash ashore every day? What about fish eating that trash? And what about us eating that fish?
By buying and wearing OceanTrash bracelets, you are not only making it possible to reclaim items from the ocean that do not belong there, but you are also choosing reuse over newly made (and drawing even more resources from Mother Nature).
Product Quality Index
Energy Generation
my mission
the end of my brand
My mission is to turn OceanTrash bracelets into limited edition jewelry. The ultimate dream would be that I won’t be able to make any more bracelets because there simply aren’t any fishing ropes or shipping ropes to be found in the ocean or washed up on beaches. OceanTrash bracelets will never be made from newly made ropes or nets.
are you mad woman?
In some ways, I probably am. But I prefer to think of myself as an artist with a vision. From the moment I started selling OceanTrash, there have not only been questions but many opinions too. And they range from ‘awesome’ to let’s say ‘not so awesome’. The first category, I love that they get what I’m trying to do. The second category, they definitely push me to do better. I have actually encountered people who became quite angry that I dared sell trash. And that if I had the guts to do that, then I should go ahead and at least save the planet.
And I wish I could. But even though I might not be able to, I will give it a try and at the very least, do my bit. So I started selling my OceanTrash bracelets. And the first one I sold made me realize the potential. I figured if I could get these people on board, there must be more that are interested. And if more and more people hear of it and become interested, we could actually, all together, change the tide. Maybe you could help too. Are you willing to pick up trash every once in a while, buy a bracelet or maybe even two? Would you join our retailers family?
the effort
who is it meant for
OceanTrash is for the Ocean. OceanTrash is for Mother Nature. OceanTrash is for all marine life.
Oh, you meant people?
Yes OceanTrash is for people too.
Which people?
All people.
You may identify as a surfer, you may not. You may identify as an activist for nature, you may not. OceanTrash is for you if you want it to be.
give back
because we can
It’s made from trash, so why pay for it, right? You’re right, I found these perfectly ready-made bracelets just lying on the beach, took them with me, and here I am selling them. Or maybe there is just a bit more effort involved…
Firstly, I clean up the beach with love, taking with me everything I can carry that doesn’t belong there. I bring it with me and start the sorting process. Unfortunately, not everything can be reused. The reusable items are then unraveled, cleaned, and dried. All before I can even start on forming them into bracelets, creating unique and fun items that hopefully people will enjoy.It would be great if my tools and clasps could be found on the beach, but so far I haven’t been so lucky as to find some. And it turns out that in the Netherlands, even trash is liable for taxes. And last but not least, 1 euro of each bracelet is donated to charity. And we sell some these days. So in my humble opinion I would argue: You are buying so much more than trash.
Oceans of eden
save an angel
In my view creating art is the most beautiful thing there is. If I can spend the rest of my life creating, I will be a blessed person.
Painting with oil paint stole my heart in my younger years, and the romance of standing before a fresh canvas with a brush in hand is exceptionally good.
At the same time I also know that life changes, your techniques evolve, and the desire to explore new paths, and therefor letting go of other things is inevitable. One thing remains as certain as the tides: my love for the ocean and my ambition to dedicate the rest of my creative life to it.
Every piece of rope I can keep out of the water, away from our angels of the sea is a victory. That’s why I do it. And trust me it is not an easy road.
For those who love to embrace the sea you may have come to the right place. Find an exclusive piece of Art, in oil or resin, via my website www.SurfArt.nl
Thank you for reading. Thank you for supporting. Thank you for caring. Thank you for everything.
Mahalo,
Marieke
