The ball that almost got away. . .

We were at the beach on our summer vacation one windy day and had this happen. . .

Before we even realized it had escaped, one of our blow up beach balls was floating in the water of a Minnesota late. The kids and hubby rushed to the rescue. . .

It was getting deeper and Little Man gave up the chase. . .

The ball kept blowing and was too deep for hubby so everyone returned to shore dejected. . .

Little Girl cried. . .

Then, a wonderful woman on a jet ski came to the rescue. . .

Yay. . .

It is one beach ball, but the entire time, I kept thinking where it would go and what would become of it. Best case scenario was that another child/family would find it and give it a wonderful, playful home. Worst case scenario is that it would join the swirling goo of plastic known at the North Pacific Gyre. This animation from Greenpeace shows how the currents work to make the Gyre.

I have been doing a good deal of researching and reading about the North Pacific Gyre as of late. I have had a link to this article on my site for some time now. I was really shocked when I first read it. Still am. It is very scary. I am happy to report, the beach ball is safely tucked in the lake tote for next year.

Reduce your use of plastic. Please. Fabric bags are a start. Look at packaging, what you buy, etc. If we stop buying it, they will stop making it. You vote with your wallet! Teresa

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