Dale bids farewell to #CleanBlueLagoon

AFTER being at the helm of more than 200 #CleanBlueLagoon clean-ups, Durban North resident, Dale Johnson, has decided to step down from his role as organiser.

Speaking to Northglen News last week, Johnson said he had lost his passion for the clean-ups and felt it was best to step away for the time being. He also has a number of new responsibilities he says will clash with the monthly clean-ups.

“I hate litter with a passion because it is so unnecessary. What struck me the most in the beginning was the apathy most people showed when it came to the littering. That’s why when it came to #CleanBlueLagoon, I joined in. The initiative was started by a mate of mine, Luc Quevauvilliers, and I was sick of the apathy regarding the rubbish around Durban. I decided I had to do something about it rather than complain all the time.

Related story: First 2021 #CleanBlueLagoon clean-up cancelled

“Eventually I became the organiser and was at every clean-up possible. Last year however, was the first time I felt my passion start to wane and I knew I was taking on extra responsibility in 2021 so I decided it was best to step down from my role. I don’t think this is farewell forever but certainly for the time being I’ve handed over to two amazing eco-warriors, Janet Simpkins from Adopt-A-River and Dominic Naidoo from Ezemvelo. I could not think of anyone better,” he said.

Johnson also reflected on how #CleanBlueLagoon had created more awareness around plastic pollution in our rivers and seas.

“I think each and every volunteer that gave up a few hours to help clean up had their eyes opened to the threat of plastic pollution. We also had a dedicated bunch of volunteers who were at nearly every clean-up. I think the movement cultivates pride in the community that we can make a difference, no matter how small it seems. On average, per clean-up, we would collect around 100 bags of rubbish. That’s incredible. I also feel the addition of more litter booms will aid our fight against plastic pollution but more needs to be done to educate people about the dangers of just throwing their rubbish on the ground,” he said.  

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