I’ve spent more nights under the stars than I can count—camped out by rivers, hiked mountains in Europe, and followed winding trails deep into the backcountry. Nature teaches you things. One lesson that hits hardest? What we leave behind matters. And unfortunately, we’re leaving behind a lot of plastic.

So when I came across 4ocean, a company founded by a couple of surfers who turned their passion for clean seas into a global movement, I knew this was a story worth sharing.

A Mission Born from the Waves

Alex Schulze and his friend didn’t set out to create a company. They just wanted to clean up a beach. But their efforts snowballed into something bigger—way bigger. Today, 4ocean leads daily cleanup operations across oceans, rivers, and coastlines around the world.

They do it the old-fashioned way: one pound of plastic at a time. No shortcuts. No gimmicks. Just real people doing real work for the planet.

Cleaning the Ocean, One Bracelet at a Time

What sets 4ocean apart isn’t just their hands-on cleanup efforts—it’s how they fund them. This isn’t a non-profit running on donations. It’s a mission-driven business. Every bracelet, every product they sell helps pay professional crews to recover plastic waste from the water.

These aren’t cheap trinkets, either. They’re crafted from recycled ocean plastic and materials like glass beads and stainless steel. You wear one, you’re not just making a statement—you’re taking part in the solution.

Creating Jobs Where They Matter Most

As someone who values community as much as conservation, I found this part especially powerful: 4ocean doesn’t just pick up trash—they create jobs in the process. From local cleanup crews to manufacturing roles, they’re providing work in areas hit hardest by plastic pollution.

That’s real impact. Not just on the environment, but on families and livelihoods.

Offsetting Our Footprints

Even the most eco-conscious among us leave a footprint. Maybe you’ve minimized single-use plastics or switched to a reusable water bottle. Still, it’s tough to go entirely plastic-free. That’s where 4ocean’s Plastic Offset Program comes in.

It allows individuals to offset their personal plastic use by funding the removal of an equivalent amount from the ocean. It’s a practical way to take accountability—and take action.

A Brand That Walks the Talk

4ocean isn’t just talking sustainability—they’re legally bound to it. As a Certified B Corporation and Public Benefit Corporation, they’ve made a public promise to prioritize the planet and people over profit.

That matters. These are the kind of commitments that keep companies honest—and keep the mission front and center.

Why This Matters for Every Outdoor Enthusiast

If you fish, surf, hike, or camp, this isn’t a distant issue. I’ve seen plastic bottles float past my kayak in places that should be untouched. I’ve picked up snack wrappers miles from the nearest road.

We owe it to these wild spaces to do better.

Organizations like 4ocean give me hope. Not because they have all the answers, but because they’re doing the work. They’re proving that business can be a force for good, and that change is possible—even if it happens one tide, one bracelet, one pound of plastic at a time.

The Ripple Effect Starts With Us

We can’t all start global cleanup operations. But we can all do something. Maybe it’s supporting companies like 4ocean. Maybe it’s picking up that piece of trash on your next hike. Or maybe it’s just choosing to live a little lighter on the land.

Whatever it is, make it count.

Because when we each do our part, those ripples can turn into waves.