Clean Up the World Weekend Highlights the State of our Oceans
The weekend of 20-21 September is Clean Up the World Weekend. Nature Coast Marine Group (NCMG) Vice-President Jenny Edwards says that the weekend is a global event that engages communities around the world to take action to improve the environment. Clean Up the World is an organisation that mobilises an estimated 35 million volunteers from more than 100 countries each year, to carry out conservation initiatives.
“This weekend is an opportunity to highlight the state of our oceans, and encourage beach users to adopt more positive, responsible habits,” Ms Edwards said.
“After a day at the beach, most people do the right thing and dispose of their rubbish appropriately. However, news reports in February 2008 of a giant floating plastic mass near Antarctica, demonstrate a clear need to raise public awareness about taking greater ownership of waste management,” she said.
“Part of the issue is that people clean up after themselves but then step over rubbish left behind by others on their way to the car. While rubbish detracts from the aesthetics of our beautiful beaches, some of it is deadly to marine life when it ends up in the ocean.”
“For example, accidentally swallowing plastic bags can injure or even kill turtles and whales. Anything individuals can do to reduce that possibility, such as picking up stray plastic bags, can make a difference. It’s a great opportunity to ‘Think Globally, Act Locally’,” says Ms Edwards.
Since its inception in 2005, the NCMG has been involved in several marine clean up events. NCMG encourages all beach visitors to take the time to clean up whatever rubbish they can manage, and leave only their footprints behind.