By Aphiwe Mgoqi
A KwaZulu-Natal non-profit organisation recently organised a beach clean-up at Virginia Beach in Durban North.
The clean-up was organised by the Litterboom Project and supported by Durban North community volunteers.
The drive was aimed at raising awareness about plastic pollution and to foster community involvement.
The Litterboom Project CEO and founder, Cameron Service, outlined the importance of community participation in initiatives such as the beach clean-up, adding that community support contributes significantly to saving marine life.
“Our intervention to try to alleviate the increase in marine plastic pollution begins with ordinary citizens coming together to engage in meaningful projects such as these, sacrificing their time and contributing towards such a cause. You know something as small as wearing gloves, picking a bin bag and picking up litter does a lot for our beaches,” he said.
Service also said that cleaning must not only end on the beaches, but people must take it forward to their communities and spread the importance of keeping water sources clean.
Cecilia Gilroy, a volunteer, expressed her desire for more young people to participate in beach clean-ups, because they teach environmental responsibility.
“It would be nice to see more young people volunteer in some of these clean-ups, it teaches responsibility. I’m a retired senior citizen, but I make sure that my daughter and I, who I came with here today, try to do our part by being responsible community members who do their (bit) in taking care of our environment and oceans.”
Muhamed Pillay, another volunteer, said his love for the ocean and marine life motivated him to participate in the clean-up.
He said: “I’m very passionate about sea animals, and the fact that they are endangered and some may soon be extinct because of plastic debris in our oceans, so attending a beach clean-up is a no-brainer for me.”
Professor Wynard Marlherbe from the Water Research Group at North West University said: “Plastic pollution is a contributor to the various deaths of ocean animals, from zooplankton to large animals such as whales. When a microplastic particle interferes with the animal’s well-being, such as digestion, it could ultimately lead to the animal’s death.”
He pointed out the value of beach and river clean-ups to encourage neighbourhood participation and environmental preservation.
“Beach clean-ups are a great way to encourage communities to get involved and help preserve their natural environment. It encourages people to protect the environment and to get involved with recycling to reduce environmental waste.”
The organisers said they will recycle collected litter plastics into coasters and plant stem holders.
