Bashing the trash on Coastal Clean-up Day

EXCITEMENT is building for International Coastal Clean-up Day and the Trash Bash at Monwabisi Beach later this month.

On September 21, International Coastal Clean-up Day, the Two Oceans Aquarium will be hosting a beach clean-up at Monwabisi Beach as part of its Trash Bash initiative to tackle the problem of plastic pollution on the coastline.

International Coastal Clean-up Day is a chance for communities to come out in force to return their coastline to its natural state and to create awareness about the global issue of marine plastic pollution.

Two Oceans Aquarium communications and sustainability manager Helen Lockhart said: “Cleaning up isn’t just good for the environment, it is also good for those taking part. It leaves participants feeling that they are making a difference, playing their part and being responsible for something as fragile, yet incredibly important as the ocean.”

“The outcome of these clean-ups is often much bigger than just a cleaner beach, as it changes people’s view of their role within the environment and instils a sense of responsibility towards their surrounds.

“Clean-ups also get us outdoors where we can appreciate the beauty of our surrounds,” said Lockhart.

The Two Oceans Aquarium Trash Bash receives the support and assistance of the Beach Co-op, a non-profit organisation driving behavioural change regarding single-use plastic through integrated surveys and research-ready beach clean-ups.

Trash Bash also contributes to important scientific research by following the Dirty Dozen data collection method.

The Dirty Dozen are the 12 litter items that are most commonly found on our beaches: carrier bags, chip (crisps) packets, cigarette lighters, cooldrink bottles, cooldrink lids, ear buds, fishing line, light sticks, plastic lollipop sticks, straws, sweet wrappers and water bottles.

Attendees work together in groups and record everything collected, paying specific attention to the Dirty Dozen items. At the end of each clean-up, the data is collated and contributes to research tracking the different sources of marine litter.

For more information about the event, visit: https://www.facebook. com/events/340120169944814/.

Alternatively, call the facility’s direct line at 021 814 4539.