Do a Beach Clean up! Boast a Pristine Coastline

This blog post discusses how you can maintain a clean coastline. You simply engage in a beach clean-up

We examine:

• Whether you should take part in a beach clean up
• The reasons for doing it
• The highlights of a special day
• The rewards you get from participating in it

Should you do it?

Ever got to the beach and the euphoric expectation you had just immediately vanished?

I mean, like the feeling you get after you've fantasized about slowly savoring that piece of cheesecake you hid in the back of the refrigerator
And then you went for it and it was nowhere to be found...Sigh!

That same feeling punches you in the gut at the sight of the coastline littered in garbage.

I've felt that way from a slightly similar experience I had some time ago.

I had a meet up with my friends at the beach. We hadn't seen each other for a number of years and were about to spend some fun time at our favorite place.

But just as we found a nice, shaded area beneath a sea grape tree and set down our stuff, we were a bit disappointed.
We couldn't help but notice the empty bottles, bags, cups and other forms of trash.

We didn't stop to question. We immediately began to do a cleanup of that section of the beach.

Of course, there were ant hills filled with the biting critters. They decided that we were the main course as a revenge for disrupting them.
We jumped around in a frenzy trying to shake them off as we cleared the area.

Why?

A clean environment. Sanitation. So we can really enjoy the beach and peace of mind.

For Safety's sake

To begin, it was unsightly and smelly. There were all kinds of scavengers and birds trying to tear apart the trash. And the wind was doing its part.

As you know, on the beach there is trash of various sorts. Some are left there due to carelessness, lack of disposal containers and trash that has washed up from the ocean.

In some areas, the quantity of garbage blocks the entire coastline as piles of objects and materials form a cluster. This is the perfect breeding ground for diseases.

The pile of garbage also attracts non-marine animals to the beach. And you do not wish for that encounter.

Well, on that area of the beach where we chose, there was quite a bit of trash. Picking up the refuse was a no-brainer.

Aesthetically pleasing

This beach runs along a high pedestrian area not far from the town center.
Some of these persons go to the area not primarily to engage in beach activities. They go for the atmosphere, to pass time or for meet-up.

So most of the trash was non-biodegradable waste.
Yes, the type that comes from snack containers made of plastic, styrofoam or other forms of synthetic material.

Those were the packages of the food brought they took with them to the site.

Some these eventually break down into small pieces over time., which are hazardous to living creatures. These seemingly insignificant pieces add to the concentration of garbage.

According to The Ocean Cleanup.com, in 2024, they removed 11.5 million kg of trash from oceans and rivers.

Some of that trash eventually washes ashore. It accumulates along the shoreline somewhere around the world. Yes, it is pushed there by storms and strong currents.

Balance the ecosystem

How so?

You help to restore balance by removing the harmful items.

Depending on the ecosystem of the area, you may see crabs and birds scurrying about searching for food. Like the ants, they'll find crumbs and uneaten food.

Guess what, sometimes garbage covers the crab holes, turtle nests and the nesting areas of other shore dwellers.

So the wildlife is robbed of their natural habitat and food sources. And they mistake the disintegrated pieces of plastic for food.

Your involvement is integral for balance. You help to maintain virgin landscape and protected areas. Ecosystems remains intact

And, the little shore creatures who live beneath the sand will thank you.

Well, you may be triggered to clean up because of your desire to enjoy clean surroundings but the simple act speaks wonders.

A special day

Did you know that there is a day specifically dedicated to coastal clean up? The third Saturday in September is designated as International Coastal Clean up Day.

You may volunteer.
Join a group and help to clean an area of coastline.

By the way, you don't even have to be a member of a group to be involved.

If you are skeptical about joining a beach clean up, you shouldn't be.

But you may need to check in with the governing authority.
Follow the rules and regulations of marine parks.

In some places, students are encouraged to volunteer in the cleanup as part of their community service project.

Think of it as your social responsibility.

So what happens the rest of the year?
Well, many places also have a monthly clean up program.

These are dedicated groups which meet at least once a month to do the work. And I'm sure you are welcome to join. Or better yet, start a clean-up group.

Receptors

You know what, there are other measures you can take if you truly care about the beach.

Popular beaches use trash removal vehicles. That is more efficient according to the size and length of the beach area that they cover.

Count that cost in terms of vehicular maintenance and its effect on the environment

However, if we as lovers of the beach, take time to remove trash every time you visit. It would lessen the need for these vehicles.

Many beaches have garbage containers. The covered ones are most suited.

But if there is no containers, do the right thing. Take your garbage with you.

Do you know that in some parts of the world, people live on the banks of rivers and the shore? So they dispose of their garbage nearby and it eventually washes out into the rivers, seas, and oceans

What do you think can be done to remind people to utilize disposal containers?
Education, Education, Education

Signs and Fines.

Rewarding

Think of it as your social responsibility. Your contribution to society.

Yes, there's that fulfillment and elation you get from your philanthropic activity.

By the way, there are also physical benefits too. Yep! You'll have the T-shirt to show. And in some cases other little token to keep your comfortable during the in your clean up process

So the takeaways are

You can turn a blind eye and move to other areas free of debris and enjoy your time there like many people do.

Or

Sometimes an impromptu beach clean-up is necessary.
Protect yourself and the ecosystem

You may organize a regular beach clean through your local authority.
Take part in National Coastal Clean up Day

Educate your community about proper waste disposal at the beach.