Beyond the Cleanup: How Sustainable Procurement Creates Healthier Oceans

Every year, Reeve Consulting’s shoreline cleanup fundraiser brings together clients, partners, colleagues, and friends for an evening of community action, meaningful conversations, and environmental impact. What began as a simple way to give back has become one of our favourite traditions, and this year, we’re excited to continue it alongside our longtime partner, Fairware.

Why a Shoreline Cleanup?

At first glance, a shoreline cleanup fundraiser may seem far removed from the world of sustainable procurement. In reality, they’re closely connected. 

The items we collect along shorelines often begin their journey much earlier in the supply chain. Packaging, single-use products, promotional items, and other materials are designed, sourced, purchased, distributed, and eventually discarded.  

According to the OECD, global plastic waste generation more than doubled between 2000 and 2019, reaching over 350 million tonnes. Roughly two-thirds of this waste comes from products with lifespans of less than five years.  

When waste escapes collection systems, it can end up in rivers, coastlines, and oceans. The United Nations estimates that approximately 11 million tonnes of plastic enter aquatic ecosystems each year. Without significant action, that figure could nearly triple by 2040. 

Better Purchasing Decisions Create Better Outcomes   

This is where sustainable procurement makes a difference. 

When organizations choose durable products, reduce unnecessary packaging, prioritize reusable or circular solutions, and work with responsible suppliers, they help prevent waste before it ever reaches a shoreline.

Sustainable procurement is about looking beyond the point of purchase and understanding the full lifecycle of products and services. It helps organizations create positive environmental, social, and economic outcomes while building more resilient and responsible supply chains.

It’s why this fundraiser matters so much to us. At Reeve, we spend our days helping organizations make more sustainable purchasing decisions. Taking the time to collect litter provides a tangible reminder of why upstream decisions matter. It’s an opportunity to see the real-world consequences of waste while connecting with others who share a commitment to creating positive change.

Why Reeve Supports Ocean Wise

This year, proceeds from the event will support Ocean Wise, a Vancouver-based and globally recognized conservation organization dedicated to protecting and restoring ocean health.

We chose to support Ocean Wise because of its practical, science-based approach to conservation and its deep roots in the communities where we live and work. Through research, education, shoreline restoration, pollution prevention initiatives, and public engagement, Ocean Wise helps address some of the most pressing challenges facing our oceans today.

Their work goes beyond responding to environmental issues after they occur. Like sustainable procurement, it focuses on prevention, long-term thinking, and creating systems that support healthier outcomes over time. That alignment makes Ocean Wise a natural partner for this event and a cause we are proud to support.

Join Reeve’s Shoreline Cleanup Event

Of course, the shoreline cleanup is also about bringing people together.

Whether you are a longtime sustainability champion, a sustainability professional looking to expand your network, or simply someone who wants to spend a summer evening making a positive impact, we would love to have you join us.

Participants can expect a hands-on cleanup, great conversations, food and drinks, and the opportunity to connect with sustainability professionals, business leaders, and community members who share a commitment to making a difference.

Together, we can help keep our local shorelines clean, support the important work of Ocean Wise, and continue building a future where responsible decisions create positive impacts for people and the planet.

Join us at Hinge Park on July 23 for an evening of community, connection, and action. Every piece of litter collected and every ticket purchased helps support healthier oceans and a more sustainable future.

Get your ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reeve-x-fairware-shoreline-cleanup-2026-registration-1988037344213

Reserve your spot today and help turn sustainable values into meaningful action.