Climate change, whales and t-shirts
WDC have teamed up with fashion partner, Lazy Oaf for the release of their Dolphin Heart T-shirt, 10% of all sales of this design both online and in store being donated to WDC to help our work around the globe.
To celebrate this second collaboration between us and Lazy Oaf (who we love), we have been speaking with London-based climate change campaigner and internet activist, Elizabeth Farrell, AKA Glacier Girl (pictured), who’s ‘Remember the Glaciers’ project has led to numerous magazine interviews, catwalk appearances and social media fans. With climate change being one of the biggest threats facing whales and dolphins, Elizabeth, who devotes her to time to raising awareness about global warming through various creative platforms, was the perfect girl for the project. Read on to discover her best whale facts and top tips on how we can all make the planet a better place to be.
What is the motivation behind your ‘Remember the Glaciers’ campaign?
GG – My anger at the education system and lack of accessible information on this global crisis. If the role of schools is to uphold the welfare of pupils, then why are our long term futures being compromised? It is vital that we are given the tools and knowledge needed to act on climate issues.
A lot of the time seeing is believing. For those of us living in cities today it can be hard to visualise climate change. I aim to fill that gap, aided by imagery that we can relate to and experience in order to create an understanding of the reality that is climate change.
We know climate change is a big concern of yours, is this harming whales and dolphins?
GG – Yep, unfortunately climate change is going to have an effect on all life forms. More CO2 in the oceans leads to ocean acidification, changing ocean temperature and fall in biodiversity causing migrations and scarce food supply for all walks of marine life. The oceans are taking a big hit and are vital to our survival too.
Lazy Oaf are going to be donating 10% of all sales of our Dolphin Heart T-shirt to Whale and Dolphin Conversation.
Why do you think collaborations like this are important?
It opens up a valuable dialogue with an audience that otherwise may not connect with these issues. It reminds people that conservation is relevant to everyone, all industries, all walks of life. I think it is important for all consumers to know and understand the meaning behind the collaboration and that this goes far beyond a “trend”. It shouldn’t stop at the purchase of a t-shirt, the message should continue to influence our lives and the changes we make.
Know any interesting facts about whales and/or dolphin?
Whales regulate the oceans in many different ways, probably the most entertaining is that they produce ‘faecal plumes’ (massive poo explosions) which fertilise the oceans providing essential nutrients for marine life.
And if you could be a whale or dolphin for the day which would you be & why?
I’d like to be a Brydes Whale in the South China Sea/ East Sea. In south coast communities of Vietnam whales are considered sacred. If a whale gets washed up the whole community will come down to try and save the whale and return it back to the ocean. If all attempts fail a funeral ceremony will take place for the whale. It’s good to know that there are people who understand and respect nature, the rest of us have a lot to learn from communities such as this.
What can we all be doing on a daily basis to look after the planet?
I think we all know to do the basic daily actions such as switching off lights, conserving energy and water where possible, walking instead of driving, reducing waste…etc. All of these things are totally valid and necessary but I think above all we need to talk about climate change. We need to incorporate the discussion into daily conversation to remind people that this is vital and to be heard. I’ve written a little guide on how I start the conversation on climate change and how to communicate that effectively. Communication is key! Click here if you want some tips