Language complicates the battle against litter
Beach clean ups have become a weekly event along Durban North's beaches for environmentalists who say the litter problem is only getting worse.
OVER the past 10 months the KZN Beach Clean Up volunteers have collected over four tons of waste. Now the founder, Natalie Gorven is set to take a proactive response to the constant litter that finds its way to Durban’s beaches.
“Our aim is to get more young people interested in environmental conservation,” said the Durban North resident, as she reflected on the 142 kilograms of waste collected from the Glenashley Beach on Saturday. This month’s clean-up saw 14 volunteers spend two hours collecting the 13 bags of rubbish.
“At the moment we are only dealing with the symptoms. More and more waste will continue to find its way into the ocean. We need to leave a positive generation for our planet rather than simply leaving a healthy planet for uneducated future generations,” she said.
The environmentalist said a language barrier has been a stumbling block in winning the litter battle.
“We are now hoping to team up with individuals who would be able to translate as well as companies who could sponsor transportation for children from rural communities, so that they can also become involved and see first-hand, the impact littering has on our environment,” she said.
Miss Earth South Africa’s third runner-up (also known as Miss Fire), Mireesha Narsai, who volunteered at the clean-up, said straws, bottle caps and polystyrene were still some of the most ‘troublesome’ waste she encountered.
Narsai urged the public to think twice before using products that create these forms of waste.
The next clean-up will be held at Addington Beach on 19 November from 9am to 11am.
