Stand out from the crowd UK to tackle this issue. They run the Big Spring Beach Clean (6-14 April) and The Autumn Beach Clean (20-27 October), as well as more regular local clean-ups. They also founded the social media campaign #MiniBeachClean, which encourages people to make an impact in their local area, no matter how small.
Creating a community
Sometimes tackling plastic waste can be a solitary task, so community events are a great way to meet like-minded waste warriors. Claire Jackman, who runs Vale Coastal Clean Up in South Wales says, “Public awareness is key. People know plastic pollution is a problem, but they don’t understand the extent of it until they come down to the beach to help volunteer at one of our events, then go
home thinking about their own singleuse plastic consumption.” Claire started Vale Coastal Clean Up last year to make a difference in her area. She thinks it’s important to get children involved. She explains:
“Children are key here, we need to educate them young” Claire says it’s important to have a hands on approach: “We encourage them to get involved in sorting the recycling and keeping a log each week to learn about waste and recycling.
Then they can get their parents involved in trying to shop smarter each week to reduce their single-use plastic consumption.”
How can you get involved?
Larger scale campaigns also exist for those who are hesitant to organise their own community beach clean. The Marine Conservation Society’s website has a postcode search to find existing coastal clean ups near you. They also organise a yearly event, The Great British Beach Clean (this year occuring 20-23 September) to encourage new volunteers. Whether you’re cleaning on your own, with a few friends, or with a larger organisation, the outcome is the same. Although cutting down plastic waste is a great lifestyle change, we can’t ignore the pre-existing pollution on our coastlines.
Words by Corrie David
How to become a beach clean expert Everything you need to know to become a coastline superhero
Choose your level
Solo spruce up: Next time you’re down on
the beach, challenge yourself to clear three pieces of plastic from the coastline.
Team tidy: Get a group of friends together
for a team clean-up. It doesn’t have to be a three hour excursion, but it could help others see the issue on our coastlines.
Community clean: Set up a facebook group
Essential kit Bags and buckets:
Bin bags contribute to waste in the long run. A rope bag or a bucket is a more suitable choice.
Pocket knife: A lot of ropes and fishing wire gets caught jammed between rocks, a knife can be useful to cut them loose.
Trowel/Spade: A trowel would be perfect to
for people to organise a community beach clean. Make sure you check the tide is low to cover the most space and encourage people to invite their frriends.
clear tricky embedded litter.
Wave maker:
Litter pickers: Bending over to pick up plastic
If you’re feeling motivated, follow Claire Jackman’s beach clean tips above to set up your own movement in your local area.
Gloves:
Bring some heavy duty ones with waterproof coating to keep your hands toasty.
can really put a strain on your back, so bring one of these to help you keep going for longer.
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