Los Angeles, CA, July 23, 2024 — In a powerful demonstration of environmental advocacy, renowned soccer star Ali Riley has thrown her support behind The Dirty Protest, an audacious campaign aiming to end sewage pollution in our oceans. The Dirty Protest is an international petition initiative where signatures are collected and printed using specially designed ink made from sewage taken near drain pipes during spills.
Every year, billions of gallons of untreated sewage are dumped into our oceans, harming marine ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Sewage pollution reduces oxygen levels, suffocating fish and sea plants, and making our oceans more vulnerable to climate change. It also carries harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause a range of illnesses in humans, from gastrointestinal symptoms to severe infections.
The Dirty Protest aims to bring this issue directly to the desks of politicians worldwide, making it impossible for them to ignore. The unique petition, signed online using a phone or touchpad, is printed with ink that contains 50% sewage from drain pipes, treated and cleared for any dangerous bacteria. This ink symbolizes the pressing need to address the crisis head-on.
Ali Riley, a five-time Olympian and celebrated soccer defender for Angel City FC, is known for her leadership on and off the field. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Riley's soccer journey has taken her around the world. She currently captains both the New Zealand National Team and Angel City FC. In 2023, she led the New Zealand National Team to the country’s first-ever World Cup win.
Riley has inspired fans worldwide not only for her athletic prowess but also for her deep commitment to social and environmental causes. Her diverse heritage and international career have fueled her passion for global issues, making her an influential advocate for The Dirty Protest. Riley’s support for this campaign highlights the urgent need for global action against sewage pollution, adding a powerful voice to the movement.
"As a proud Californian, the Pacific's sparkling waters have always held a special place in my heart. Today, seeing the impact of sewage pollution is heartbreaking,” said Riley. “It's more than just affecting the beauty of our beaches — it's a threat to our health, our economy, and the future of this wonderful ecosystem. The Dirty Protest's unique approach is exactly what we need to raise awareness and get things moving. I'm proud to join this fight for clean water for all and hope you'll join me too. Together, let's protect the magic of the Pacific — and all oceans — for future generations."
Riley joins Pernille Weiss and thousands of others in signing the petition. Weiss, Chairwoman of the European Parliament's Water Group, was the first to sign the petition.
"I signed my name in shit to stop untreated sewage from being pumped into our ocean," said Weiss. "I need all of you to sign, so we can show every politician that this problem is too big and too important to be ignored."
The Dirty Protest is not just a local campaign; it’s a global movement. Sewage pollution doesn't respect borders, and neither should our efforts to combat it. By signing the petition at www.dirtyprotest.org, individuals worldwide can join this critical initiative to protect our shared ocean.
Facts About Sewage Pollution:
- Over 40% of the world’s population lacks access to safely managed sanitation services. (United Nations World Water Development Report)
- 80% of the world’s wastewater is discharged without treatment into surface waters. (United Nations World Water Development Report)
- 55% of coral reefs and 88% of seagrass are exposed to wastewater pollution, increasing their vulnerability to climate change. (Tuholske et al. 2021)
About Ocean Sewage Alliance:
The mission of the Ocean Sewage Alliance is to eliminate sewage and wastewater pollution from our ocean and waterways, advancing equitable and holistic actions that benefit people and nature. We aim to achieve our mission by collaborating across sectors, synthesizing and sharing knowledge, developing solutions, and raising awareness. For more information visit, oceansewagealliance.org.
Behind the initiative:
The Dirty Protest is a global initiative by Clean Ocean (Rent Hav), Ocean Sewage Alliance and Renays. The campaign is created by Uncommon Creative Studio. The film is directed and produced by Blenderday Studio. The website is created by Koaliton.
Media Contacts:
Larissa Balzer
Ocean Sewage Alliance
Email: larissa.balzer@oceansewagealliance.org
Matt Hochberg
Hochberg Sports Marketing
Email: matt@hochbergsm.com
.png)
