Life Below Water
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources. For SMEs, this means reducing plastic and packaging waste, preventing pollution, choosing responsible materials, and supporting cleaner local waterways, even if you are not a coastal business.
A practical example, local and repeatable
A Plymouth based takeaway wanted to reduce single use plastic and stop litter ending up in the harbour. They switched to fibre based containers, added a small discount for customers bringing their own cup, and trained staff to separate waste properly. They also partnered with a local beach clean group and shared updates on their SDG:Zero listing.
- Removed plastic cutlery and swapped packaging
- Reusable cup discount and clearer disposal guidance
- Joined local beach and harbour clean ups
- Better reviews and stronger loyalty
- Less litter complaints and cleaner frontage
- Increased trust with residents and visitors
They added “plastic free takeaway Plymouth”, “eco packaging”, and “beach clean supporter” to their SDG:Zero listing. This supported searches like “eco friendly takeaway Plymouth” and helped visitors choose them quickly.
Quick explainer video
Hear how SDG 14 supports local SMEs, and how reducing plastic and preventing pollution protects waterways and coastal communities.
Practical actions for SMEs
Cutlery, sachets, wraps, and single use items that often become litter.
Choose recyclable or fibre based packaging and avoid hard to recycle composites.
Store liquids securely, handle oils safely, and keep drains protected.
Clear bins, staff guidance, and simple signage reduce contamination.
Join or sponsor river, canal, or beach clean ups and share results locally.
Listing copy examples you can use
We reduce single use plastics and choose packaging that is easier to recycle and less likely to become litter.
We handle waste and liquids responsibly to help protect local waterways and the wider marine environment.
We support local clean ups and community initiatives that keep rivers, beaches, and public spaces cleaner.
Simple metrics to track
Count removed single use items and percentage of orders now plastic free.
Bins used, contamination reduced, and recycling collected by type.
Clean up hours, bags collected, and partnerships supported locally.
Turn plastic reduction into local trust
People notice businesses that keep local places cleaner. When you reduce plastic, prevent pollution, and support clean ups, you strengthen your reputation and give customers a reason to choose you. Add SDG 14 to your SDG:Zero listing, then share short updates about what you changed and the results.