100% of Limited Edition Crème donated to Oceana

Don't feel guilty slathering yourself with expensive face cream this time since you know you'll be protecting one of the earth's most precious resources. Cult favourite, Crème de la Mer, is continuing their support of Oceana, the leading international ocean protection group.

In honour of World Ocean Day, which takes place each year on June 8, the luxury skincare brand has designed a limited-edition Crème with 100 percent of net proceeds going towards Oceana's initiatives. This includes the Habitat Protection Campaign which works to reduce the practice of bottom trawling; a fishing technique that uses weighted nets to clear-cut the ocean floor and its 2009 Ranger Expedition, where teams of divers and marine biologists gather research that can be used to protect ocean habitats and help gain insight into areas such as fish spawning grounds. With over 300,000 members in 150 countries, Oceana's science-based policies have helped greatly reduce over-fishing and protect threatened marine habitats.

"Recent studies suggest only one-half of 1 percent of funds going to environmental causes goes toward protecting the oceans," shares Amber Valletta, Oceana supporter and actor. "But history teaches us that the oceans can rebound if we give them a break, which is why every dollar going to groups like Oceana can make an incredible difference."

La Mer has worked with Oceana to promote ocean protection and restoration since 2005 and this is the second year they are raising awareness specifically for World Ocean Day. Ocean conservation has always been very important to La Mer for obvious reasons (no sea kelp, no Crème!) and the company continues to harvest only the top section of sea kelp that reaches the ocean's surface to help sustainably maintain and protect underwater sea kelp forest ecosystems.

Check out these Top Ten Tips for Pristine Seas from La Mer.

1) Do not drive on the beach as it contributes to beach erosion and threatens sea turtles and their nests.
2) Don't litter. Plastic, metal, and glass pollute the sea and cause harm to the aquatic ecosystem.
3) Ask your favourite seafood restaurant or fish market to buy from sustainable fisheries and only eat sustainably caught seafood
4) Make sure to recycle at the beach. Take home bottles and cans to recycle at home if appropriate receptacles are not available at your beach.
5) Always follow boating rules. Observe no-wake zones, follow speed limits and be mindful of marine life.
6) If you must smoke on the beach, do not leave cigarette filters in the sand. They are NOT biodegradable and are toxic to animals when mistaken for food.
7) Be careful not to leave any fishing line at the beach. If washed into the sea, it can potentially choke, entangle or trap sea life. Bring used line to tackle shops to be recycled properly as it takes several hundred years to decompose.
8) Reduce the amount of plastic you use in your everyday life. Plastic bags, bottles and packaging are filling the ocean, where they can harm seabirds, turtles, seals and other marine life that accidentally consume or become entangled in them. Switch to reusable containers and water bottles.
9) Remember that you are a guest at the beach. Enjoy your visit, but keep your distance from wildlife and don't disturb their natural habitats.
10) Take your children to the beach. By introducing them to the beauty of the ocean early on, you inspire them to learn and respect the sea for life! 

Esther Ng

For more information, please visit www.lamer.com/oceana or www.oceana.org.

Crème de la Mer, The Moisturizing Cream, HK$6,600 (World Ocean Day limited edition 250ml), is available in Hong Kong at Lane Crawford starting June 2009.