Only footprints left in the sand following beach clean-up
Adults and children collected almost 50 large bags of litter in just two hours.
ON Saturday, 21 September, the International Coastal Clean-up Day had volunteers around the world participating in what is described as the largest gathering and effort to collect waste from the oceans and beaches.
Safripol, a leading polymer producer in sub-Saharan Africa, mobilised their local employees, families and friends to do their part in cleaning up the Blue Lagoon. Fourty-five adults and 15 children, including those from the Durban and Coastal Mental Health home in Phoenix, collected almost 50 large bags of litter in just two hours.
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Working within the demarcated area of this beach, the team found that the bulk of the debris comprised food wrappers, straws, thousands of pieces of broken up foamed polystyrene cups, and takeaway containers. A staggering 1,780 plastic bottle caps were also collected. Other items of local concern included pins, roll-on deodorant balls, and wood with rusting nails.
Safripol technology and innovation executive, Gert Claasen explained that through partnerships with industry organisations the likes of PETCO, Polyco and Plastics SA, Safripol can help drive education and awareness around recycling and encourage consumers o be more responsible with their waste, to not litter, and to not discard items that could be re-used or recycled.
“As a responsible corporate citizen, Safripol is actively committed to keeping South Africa and its oceans and beaches clean. There are several other river and ocean clean-up initiatives that we have planned as part of our sustainability strategy that affirms this commitment,” he said.
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