Clean up your beach!
About marine litter
Do you remember when your childhood beach was covered by shells instead of plastic?
Marine litter has become in recent years one of the most important environmental issues. Many campaigns have tried to shed some light on the problems that human garbage is causing in the marine ecosystems and the impact generated not only to the fauna but also to the inhabitants of costal areas even in the most isolated places.
However, most people still seem to ignore that this is a huge problem and that we are all responsible for it.
We all know you never leave your trash behind after spending an awesome day with friends at the beach, but you may love grilled fish or moules-frites, or a cheeky wave might have once claimed your googles when swimming in the sea. Or even if you hate the smell of sea salt, you might have at home a couple of devices that got shipped to your place from the other side of the world. Then you are also part of the problem, but you are also affected by it: Have you ever heard of ocean gyres and garbage patches?
If you have a walk at the seaside after a storm, you will know what I mean. That's why, if you are still reading this, I would like to get your help.
What marine debris can be found at your local beach?
- Fishing gear: nets, ropes, fragments of traps, floats...
- Plastic bottles and cups
- Cans 🥫
- Cigarette butts 🚬
- Small pieces of glass
- Plastic bags
- Straws 🥤
- Flip flops, tyres, coffe pods!?!, and... of course... face masks!! 😷
How can I help?
Easy! Take a bag and a pair of gloves with you next time go you for a walk by the seaside! I usually take empty pet food bags (which are quite sturdy) and a pair of gardening gloves or you can even use one of the bags that you will find around. This way you are not creating extra waste.
Taking a small container to collect cigarette butts can come handy.
When at the beach, look out for bright colours. You will soon realise that those small bits of colorful plastic are everywhere.
Also, don't just focus on the shore: much of the litter returned by our seas or the wind will end up buried in the sand, near the dunes or amongst the pebbles. Remember that marine litter can also affect the habitats of plants and animals living in the coastal areas.
And last but not least, do not worry if people look at you. Some will think you are wasting your time or even laugh at you. But one day someone will stop you and ask why you are doing it. This question may eventually result in many people joining your cause. And this could save many lives.