Young and old come together for World Oceans Day clean-up [Pics]
Schools, companies, families, groups and individuals walked up and down Umbogintwini Beach for an all-hands-on-deck World Oceans Day clean-up.
MORE than 140 volunteers who joined Clean Surf Project’s (CSP) World Oceans Day clean-up on June 7 were all smiles as they devoted their time to clean up along the coast of Umbogintwini Beach.
Participants included Amanzimtoti, Umkomaas, Athlone Park and Prescient Primary schools, Little Life Pre-Primary School, Umbogintwini Scouts, Halfway Toyota Malanda, Kinetic Safety Solutions, eThekwini Municipality, DSW Education, Plastics SA and First Rand Bank Care.
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Romy Wenzel of Clean Surf Project said, “Volunteers were surprised to collect a vast amount of waste material ranging from shoes, slops, plastic materials, glass bottles, car parts, candles, microplastics and polystyrene. The list is endless. A total of 143 bags were collected. Special thanks to CCPO for keeping a watchful eye on all participants during the clean-up, as well as Sapphire Coast Tourism for sponsoring snack packs to reward youth members on their dedication towards a cleaner environment.”
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In preparation of the clean-up, CSP visited Little Life Pre-Primary and Prescient Primary schools on June 6. The learners were educated about marine life and the importance of protecting it, and implementing solutions to stop plastic waste entering the ocean.
Wenzel said two days prior to the clean-up, a turtle was discovered washed up at Illovo Beach. She said, “Due to its severe injuries, there was nothing to be done other than burying it. It appears to have been a shark attack, most likely due to the recent sardine activity. It was disturbing to note that plastic particles could be retrieved from the turtle’s upper body. Another example of plastic waste harming marine life.”
The next community clean-up is provisionally planned for July in celebration of Mandela Day. You can help CSP by grabbing a plastic bag, big or small, and assisting with waste collection when taking a stroll along the coastline. Contact CSP for more information about clean-up campaigns and educational programmes on 083 733 6468, 082 802 3353 or email cleansurfproject@gmail.com.
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