Holiday family in fight against litter
Three generations of the Marshall family from Gloucestershire have played their part in helping to reduce marine plastic litter by undertaking a beach clean while on holiday on Arran.
Alexandra Marshall, grandson Elliott and daughter-in-law Abi were inspired to remove the rubbish after an earlier trip to Ireland where they learned of an initiative encouraging people to pick up any plastic they find.
Taking place during their last day on Arran, the family took to the secluded Corriecravie beach and spent the morning collecting plastic and litter.
Alexandra said: ‘Three generations of our family had a wonderful week on Arran at Corricravie and spent our last morning on the lovely secluded beach there.
‘We did a mini clean-up but some pieces were quite large and we had to leave the collection there, but we put it above the tide line in the hope that in due course someone would find it and be able to remove it.’
Following an increase in awareness of plastic pollution in the oceans, various initiatives are being undertaken by individuals, businesses and organisations trying to make a difference by removing litter, especially plastic, from beaches and the sea.
Running awareness and action campaigns to help eliminate plastic waste are organisations such as Surfers Against Sewage and #binit4beaches and Take 3 for the Sea which encourages individuals to remove at least three pieces of rubbish when visiting beaches, waterways or anywhere that rubbish can be found.
Arran organisation Think About Plastic (TAP) has also been playing a role in beach cleans and has been working with North Ayrshire Council and local businesses such as the Auchrannie Resort, Lamlash Bay Hotel and Carraig Mhòr Bed and Breakfast and Alice’s Wonderland B&B, in helping to reduce plastic usage and finding sustainable alternatives.