Fredrik is chasing a world record in underwater cleanup
“I have children, and I can’t stand the thought of them inheriting such a dirty and toxic planet.” - Fredrik Johansson, Hands2Ocean
On October 3–4, a dream will come true: the dream of setting a world record. And it’s in the field of waste management.
Fredrik Johansson is the founder of Hands2Ocean, an organization that gathers water-loving climate heroes to remove hazardous waste from the Baltic Sea and Lake Mälaren around Stockholm. Over the years, they have recovered nearly 500 tons of waste and toxins – everything from lead batteries and car tires to electric scooters. The current mission: to collect 20 tons in 48 hours, smashing the existing world record of 1.5 tons.
Fredrik’s background is in military diving, and diving has long been part of his life. Today, he works in social care with people diagnosed with neuropsychiatric conditions. The idea for Hands2Ocean was born six years ago, when he filmed the underside of a friend’s boat and discovered the seabed littered with discarded boat batteries. Rising climate anxiety and the sight of a polluted sea were enough to trigger action. When his friends weren’t interested in helping, it was his friends on the autism spectrum who joined as rope-pullers. Their efforts attracted attention, and soon more volunteers joined. Today, Hands2Ocean has about 60 regular divers who conduct 1–3 dives a week, plus several hundred occasional volunteers who discover the organization through media, social media, or simply along the waterfront.
What drives Fredrik is the fact that relatively small efforts can make a big difference. While action is needed on many fronts, much of the waste resting on the seabed are “old sins” – from a time when people thought, “if we dump it in the water, it disappears.” Nowadays, yacht clubs have environmental stations, and most people want to do the right thing. By removing old waste, Hands2Ocean not only improves water quality but also raises awareness. “When you make the underwater garbage pile visible, it becomes painfully clear how we treat our planet,” Fredrik says.
One example is the Atlantis project, where waste retrieved from the seabed was transformed into artworks by creators such as Meja, Tommy Körberg, ABBA, Christer Fuglesang, and Carina Berg to mention a few. The artworks – replicas of world-famous buildings – were submerged again to form an underwater art park, reminding us that many cities risk disappearing beneath the surface as glaciers melt. Soon, the exhibition will be raised and go on a world tour.
“Our collaboration with Your Devocean is a game changer. Getting paid for the toxic waste quotas we remove allows us to build the organization sustainably, expand within Sweden – and even internationally. It also removes the pressure of members paying out of pocket to save the climate. This sends an important signal to companies and society: NGOs make a real difference. Hopefully, it inspires more people to get involved. It gives hope,” says Fredrik.
Fredrik’s vision is clear: “A year from now, I want Hands2Ocean to be active in many places worldwide. We will continue to spread knowledge playfully – and create a better environment across the globe.”
What does it take to break the world record?
“More hands! Right now, about 100 people are signed up, but we need at least 200. Especially people to help pull up, clean, and weigh the waste – plus drivers with cars to transport the trailers. What we can promise is an exciting day, including the recovery of two cars and two boats from the bottom with the help of a crane barge.” And Fredriks message to companies considering sponsorship is cleas - “Keep engaging! There are so many ways – from buying credits to giving employees time off to volunteer. No matter how, it makes a big difference.”