Sea of litter cleared from Cuttings Beach but much more effort needed
Due to the sheer volume of litter along the devastatingly polluted 5km stretch, only 50m of the surface litter could be removed.
CLEAN Surf Project tackled the littered coastal strip of Cuttings Beach which straddles Isipingo and Merebank in a clean-up on Saturday, 30 September.
The earth-conscious NGO urges community members to roll up their sleeves and join in a second clean-up at this site this Saturday, 7 October.
The organised clean-up of a 5km strip of littered beach was tackled in the start of a process that may take years to complete. Due to the sheer volume of litter along the devastatingly polluted 5km stretch, only 50m of the surface litter could be removed.
Watch the official video:Â
https://www.facebook.com/cleansurfproject/videos/174212956488498/
“To reach metres under the sand where further polystyrene and plastic is, we’re going to need specialised equipment brought in by the council. Let’s hope they treat this case with the urgency it requires,” said Denzil van der Westhuizen.
The team managed to collect 110 bags in addition to filling an one-ton bag. Of the 110 bags filled, two of these contained only shoes. This makes a striking comparison to the accomplishment of some 110 bags being filled over the entire 5km Warner-Illovo strip over a three-phase clean-up in the recent past.
Denzil said the extent of rubbish is unlike anything he’s seen before.
“Our ocean is in great danger from pollution, which will have a major effect on our economy. Note the low the numbers over the sardine-run season. Will these fishermen who make a livelihood from netting sardines still be able to sustain themselves in the near future, buy their fishing licenses or pay for boat licenses?
Climate change and pollution caused by humans is having a devastating effect on ocean life. The sardine run is one of the greatest spectacles in the world and it’s declining fast. Is it really worth pointing fingers? We should be getting out there and becoming involved, even if it’s just by picking up litter while taking a stroll on the beach.”
The ignorant mindset of ‘throwing down my litter creates jobs’ is one of the main reasons the world is in the state it is.
“South Africa is falling behind the rest of the world,” said Denzil. “Scotland has implemented a plastic bottle return system which favours the consumer as well as the manufacturer – why can’t we?”
This Saturday’s clean-up will commence at 8am at Cuttings Beach. Those interested in attending the clean-up are asked to take their own pair of gumboots, as the beach is littered with all types of materials. Gloves and bags will be supplied. CSP has organised security for volunteers and their vehicles.
For more information, visit the Clean Surf Project Facebook page or contact Denzil on 082-802-3353.
Dylan Barber’s thoughts on the devastatingly littered beach:Â
https://www.facebook.com/cleansurfproject/videos/174211663155294/
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