Locals do their bit for the environment
Former Danville Park Girls' High School pupil tackles beach clean up along KZN's coast.
DESPITE a modest turnout on Durban’s North Beach on Saturday, a dedicated team of volunteers tackled the beach clean-up. The day which was organised by KZN Beach Clean-up, founded by Durban North resident, Natalie Gorven.
The former Danville Park Girls’ High School pupil said while she was disappointed with the turnout on Saturday, it would not deter her from continuing her mission to make the province’s beaches litter free. The organisation covers beaches from the Bluff all the way to Westbrook Beach on the North Coast.
“In 2011 I started the group with Ingrid Butcher (who has now emigrated) began the Durban Beach Clean-up and it was a way to make a difference to our beaches. As the group gained momentum, I decided to widen the scope by including a number of beaches, so for the past four years, the second Saturday of every month we conduct a monthly clean-up.
“As a surfer, I also see the effect of litter on the marine life and the impact on the cleanliness of our beaches,” she explained.
In 2014, the group picked up a staggering 1.3 tons of rubbish in the year. According to the international organisation, Marine Conservation Society, there are nearly 2 500 items of rubbish for every kilometre of a beach. Plastic litter on beaches has increased 140 per cent since 1994.
“The sheer scale of the marine litter crisis can seem overwhelming, however each and every one of us can make a difference, helping to protect what we love. The municipal workers who clean the beaches normally pick up the larger items but seem to miss the little items. The feedback from the residents around Durban has been amazing and I’ve been impressed with the passion of the volunteers.
“We may have had a poor turnout today, but I think our beaches are in safe hands; our coastal communities just need a little help. I urge more people to get involved in these types of clean-ups,” Gorven said.
The next clean-up is scheduled for 12 December at Blue Lagoon Beach.
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