Ocean Hero of May - Esben Thøstesen
The corona crisis has most of Denmark in an iron grip these days, but that hasn’t stopped Esben Thøstesen from coming up with good ideas. In fact, he has managed to gather an astoundingly amount of people to his project #skridtogskrald.
The concept is simple. When you need a break from working at home and you’re out walking your dog/yourself/your kids - why not pick up some of the trash you see lying around, while you walk?
So simple in fact, that it’s taken a hold of big parts of Denmark, engaging thousands of people to collect trash when they’re out for a walk and then share their pictures to the online community.
The combination of going out into nature, getting exercise and cleaning up our surroundings - alone, but together - is what inspires us and makes Esben our Ocean Hero of May!
Can you give us a quick introduction of yourself?
My name is Esben, I am 35 years old and live in Tønder with my wife Katrine, who is an emergency nurse. Together we have Bertram at 8 years, Oscar August at 6 years and Vilja Mai at just under 2 years.
What do you do to take care of the ocean?
I try to keep it simple. We do not go out just to find garbage. We collect the waste that we pass when we are out walking, running, cycling or just on our way from a to b.
When did the ocean become important to you?
Nature and the ocean have always meant a lot to me and my family. We love being active in nature.
What role does the ocean play in your life?
The ocean means so much. It means freedom and allows for both physical and mental health. We enjoy looking at the ocean as well as using it.
What do you think is the biggest challenge we have to solve in order to save the ocean?
That was a big question. Which I have a hard time answering. I try to simplify it a bit, which many people have easier to relate to. Environmental activism and environmental policy are important agendas - just not in our community.
What is your happiest ocean memory?
Fortunately, I have many. But the first time all three of my lovely children became acquainted with bathing in the sea. Great memories.
Who are your everyday heroes?
It must be all the amazing kids who are active in #skridtogskrald
What are your three #tavahatips for taking care of the ocean?
JUST DO IT.
KEEP IT SIMPLE.
Everything Counts
We are inspired by Esben and the #skridtogskrald community to keeping it simple during corona lockdown, but still maintaining the community spirit! Therefore, we are going for walks by the water - alone, together - picking up thrash and sharing our pictures on instagram! If you want to join us - go out, take a picture of the thrash you collect - share it in your story and tag #nordicoceanwatchdenmark and we will repost! <3