FROM tiny hands to big hands, people from all walks of life came together to make a difference and give Cuttings Beach a new look for International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) Day on September 19.

Also read: International Coastal Clean-up unites communities

Neliswe Zulu, from the eThekwini Municipality’s Waste Management Directorate, said the ICC is one of the largest global volunteer campaigns dedicated to ensuring the conservation of beaches and oceans.

“Human actions have a direct lasting footprint on nature. The things we discard do not just disappear. Garbage is not only unsightly but also kills marine life. Sea turtles, seagulls and marine mammals are particularly vulnerable as they ingest it or get entangled in it,” she said.

The large clean-up was a chance for community members to see first hand the devastating effects of incorrect disposal of waste, while allowing them the chance to make it right.

The attendees, comprising of various key industry leaders, environment organisations and businesses, were split throughout the beach to focus on the different areas. Learners from the Durban University of Technology were given the special task of only collecting recyclable materials while the rest worked on other waste.

Zulu is encouraging residents to take action at home.

“Residents are urged to play their part by putting out domestic waste strictly on their area’s designated, correct collection days to prevent litter from washing into stormwater systems,” she said.

Zulu added that is was incredible to see everyone working side by side to clean the shorelines. She expressed her gratitude to everyone who came out and helped make this year’s edition of the ICC a huge success.

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