Nordic Ocean Watch built Norway’s first ocean renovation center in the popular surf spot Hoddevik on the west coast of Norway, called the Tavaha Barn. Locals and tourists bring waste they find on the beach after a walk or a session in the waves. The trash is cleaned, dried, sorted into different categories and stored in a permanent exhibition in an old wooden silo. The plastic we can reuse is given new life. The Tavaha Barn is not only a landing platform for beach waste, but also a learning facility, and Norway’s coolest place for experiencing the effects of marine pollution.
Our work is not just about the ocean, but about the sustainable development of local resources, culture and community. With this in mind, we have installed beach waste containers in surf spots along the Norwegian coastline, in collaboration with local surf communities and Infinitum Movement. We visit schools all over the country, and by using the hashtags #plukkanopp (pickitup) and #tavaha, we are also building the momentum in the digital sphere.