Contest!

This Valentine's Day, break up with your disposable plastic water bottle for good! Think of it as a Valentine's Day gift to yourself. 

We've even pre-drafted the break up letter for you: 


Dear Disposable Plastic Water Bottle, 

Look, we both knew this day was coming. We've been together now for (length of time) and let's face it--you just aren't (adjective) enough for me. 

You're a drain on my wallet, full of BPA and (noun), and I can't even count the number of times I've found you on the beach just acting trashy with your friends. I hate the way you (verb), and all my friends think you are (adjective).

Good things are built to last, and this relationship isn't one of them. You poison me with your use-and-toss mentality. That's why I'm (verb ending in -ing) you for good.

It's over. I'm moving on to a greener future full of (something sustainably awesome).

Don't call me. 

Bye,

(Your signature)


Simply copy and paste this letter into an email, fill in the blanks, and then send it to us at clloyd@americancanoe.org. 

Be creative! We'll choose our favorite submission on Friday afternoon and the winner will receive a Klean Kanteen water bottle and one of the new ACA Paddle Green Bags! 

Need some inspiration? Check out this infographic, and learn more about how we can work together to keep ALL kinds of marine debris (plastic water bottles included) out of our waterways!

Now THAT'S how you paddle green. 

Safe Sea Kayaking - DVD, CD-ROM & Teacher's Guide

Decide to Return: A Strategy for Safe Sea Kayaking explores the conscious decisions and unconscious choices that we make every time we leave the shore. Sometimes these choices mean the difference between a safe outing and disaster.

Kate and Jack experience a gamut of hazards on their brief outing. Some are courtesy of Mother Nature but others they've brought upon themselves. This DVD will give you practical information and food for thought so you'll be prepared for your next sea kayaking adventure.

Follow Kate and Jack as their skill, preparedness and equipment choices shape the day. Will their decisions seal an unpleasant fate or enable a safe return?

Also included is a CD-Rom containing a teacher's guide in PDF format and a Power Point presentation to be used in conjunction with the video. Both answer viewer questions, provide group discussion points and explain in more detail the accident process theory. These invaluable support materials will make Decide to Return a worthy part of any outdoor training program. 

ACA members don't forget to login to your account to receive your member discount on your purchase.

Introducing the All-New ACA Paddle Green Bag!

Abrasion-resistant. Durable. Made with environmentally-friendly dyes. The ACA is proud to present its new paddle green bag--now stronger than ever!

Get yours today.

And when your Paddle Green Bag is too worn to collect any more trash, simply send it back to the ACA for our Second Life Recycling Program.

NOAA's Art Contest for Kids

Spread the word! The NOAA Marine Debris Program's annual "Keep the Sea Free of Debris" Art Contest is now open.

Bring out the crayons and markers. This is a great way for kids to make a big difference, helping raise awareness about the global marine debris problem and the ways we can solve it.

Artwork by Brianna V. (Grade 3, California)

Students in Kindergarten through 8th grade are invited to submit artwork until December 16. The thirteen winners will be featured in the 2015 marine debris calendar.

Read more about the contest rules...