PLAGLA MAG Vol. 3
---INTERVIEW---
Please introduce yourself!
I'm Manaumi Azuma, representative of Dr. blue, a specialty shop for underwater trash cleanup, and a diving instructor.
"Dr. blue, a specialty shop for underwater trash cleanup" is a diving shop specializing in fun trash cleanup from the ocean floor while scuba diving. We promote underwater trash cleanup as a new marine activity, like a treasure hunt. While traditional diving shops aim to show beautiful oceans and marine life, my shop dives into the ocean specifically to search for trash. We primarily operate in Okinawa Main Island.
What sparked your awareness of environmental issues?
Four years ago, I tried scuba diving for the first time in my life in the waters of Okinawa. When I saw the incredibly beautiful underwater world, it felt like another realm, and I strongly felt "I want to protect this!" which made me start focusing on environmental problems.
What sustainable practices do you personally follow?
"#1pieceofTrashaDay. I post about it on social media every day, and it's almost the 500th day since I started.
Environmental issues can seem vast and difficult to grasp, but picking up just one piece of trash in front of you is a simple yet significant step toward protecting the ocean, and I continue to do it, believing that it will spread through sharing.
I also make an effort to use my own water bottle and eco-bag, and practice the 5Rs (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle).
How was your experience using PLAGLA glasses?
They are very light and comfortable to wear. The design is sleek and simple, making them easy to pair whether I'm going to the beach or out for a private outing.
Both the sunglasses and blue light cut glasses have a basic style, so I think I can use them for a long time.
Please tell us how you use PLAGLA glasses.
I use the sunglasses when I go to the beach or while driving. Okinawa has very strong UV rays, so they are a strong ally.
I use the blue light glasses when doing office work on my PC while out and about.
I also like that the case is compact and easy to carry.
Do you have any sustainable favorite items or daily necessities?
First, there's the "underwater trash bag" that I love using for work. It's mesh, allowing water to drain, so I can comfortably collect a lot of trash and transport it underwater.
In my daily life, I use a reusable water bottle I bought about 10 years ago. I always believe that sustainability isn't about buying new eco-friendly items, but about cherishing and using what you already have for as long as possible.
Are there any sustainable items you'd like to have?
For work, it's an anti-fog solution that is less prone to fogging and coral-friendly. I'm trying various ones to find one that's easy to use.
For my private life, honestly, I'm trying to use what I already have for a long time! So I don't have many ideas at the moment, but if anything comes up, I'll share it on social media.
Please tell us about any websites or SNS you check.
@greenpeacejp
@susterra_net
I often check these accounts as they clearly summarize various environmental issues, such as marine debris problems and climate change, not just in Japan but globally.
I also check @sustainable_okinawa, which specializes in Okinawa-specific information.
Please tell us about any activities you would like to do in the future.
Currently, I only have contact with divers, so I'd like to create upcycled products from underwater trash, hold exhibitions of underwater trash, and open underwater trash cleanup courses that non-divers can also participate in, to connect with non-divers.
I haven't figured out the best method yet, but I want to create many points of contact with people who are not currently interested in environmental issues.
Please provide any information you'd like to share!
I post my daily trash cleanup activities on Instagram and Facebook. Please check them out!
Also, in the future, I plan to hold events and develop upcycled products to create opportunities for people to think about marine debris issues in a fun way, not only with divers but also with non-divers, so I'd be happy if non-divers could also follow me. Your support is greatly appreciated.
https://www.dr-blue.okinawa/