Environmental group’s clean-up mission continues at Blue Lagoon

A MARINE environmental group has committed itself to the ‘impossible’ task of cleaning the Blue Lagoon beach.

Adopt-a-River is a non-profit organisation that aims to facilitate partnerships between community, corporate and government bodies to find the best solutions to a growing threat to waterways and oceans. The group has been in operation at the catchment area since June 2019.

Berea Mail joined a group of five river rangers for their regular clean-up. Following the heavy rains on New Year’s Eve, there was another familiar sight of plastic and debris collected on the shore.

Tebogo Kikine, who supervises the group, said they clean the area four times a week. 

“The biggest problem is the rain. After heavy rains there is just too much dirt that it’s impossible to clean all of it but we are getting used to it now,” said Kikine. “I would urge people to not throw their rubbish anywhere because most of the dirt here are everyday items that somehow find their way to the river either through wind or water.”

ALSO VIEW: PHOTOS: Plastic and polystyrene waste accumulates on Durban beach

Kikine’s sentiments on normal refuse disposal practises were also shared by Janet Simpkins, founder and director of Adopt-a-River. “We have a huge waste management crisis on our hands. If we all focused on solutions, I feel we could make better inroads,” she said.

“Producers and large retail chains could begin implementing lasting changes to their packaging or incentivise and facilitate the return of packaging that’s recyclable before it gets into waterways or landfill sites. We don’t need to wait for legislation for this to start. Why can’t we work towards it now to help save our environment?”

Simpkins has been involved in the catchment area since 2018 and said their long term goal at Blue Lagoon is to create a sustainable waste clearing operation.

“Although it’s endless we realise the problem stems from upstream and more complex social and political issues. We strive to make a difference here and ensure as much plastic and other waste is saved from entering the ocean,” said Simpkins.

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