Hermit crab ZuZu becomes the face of recycling in new campaign to combat beach pollution

NEW YORK (WRGB) — Let’s talk about plastic, not the kind in your recycling bin, the kind that’s overflowing in recycling cans, ending up on our beaches, and stuck in waterways across the country.

According to environmental experts, 8 out of 10 Americans recycle each day, but 9% of single-use plastics are still polluting our environment.

A new campaign from SC Johnson and oceanographer Philippe Cousteau is hoping to encourage everyone to recycle this summer and be conscious of where they’re recycling.

The campaign follows ZuZu, a hermit crab, as he recycles a water bottle left behind on his beach.

“Historically, a lot of the onus and responsibility for recycling has been pushed onto the consumer, and we’re doing our part,” said Cousteau. “But it also requires corporations to step up and realize that the products they’re creating, the life cycle of those products, is their responsibility.”

Cousteau says local municipalities and states have implemented recycling legislation, which has made a great impact.

He believes the federal government also has a responsibility to help our environment. There are several pieces of legislation environmental advocates are hoping to be passed.