Beach Cleans: How a Small Act Can Make a Big Difference

Our beaches are undeniably beautiful. They're the places we flock to for peace, relaxation, and to admire the grandeur of nature. But with an increasing global population and the ease of convenience that plastic products provide, our precious shorelines are starting to bear the brunt of our collective consumption habits.

Plastic waste is a significant issue, and while we might feel like our individual actions can't make a dent in the problem, nothing could be further from the truth. Participating in a beach clean is a simple yet powerful way to help maintain clean beaches and protect our oceans.

Clean Beach: Key Points Summary

• The Importance of Beach Cleans: Understand how beach cleans reduce plastic and marine pollution, directly benefiting marine animals and their habitats.

• The Plastic Problem: Learn about the staggering amount of plastic entering our oceans each year and the harmful effects of microplastics on marine life.

• Impact of Marine Pollution: Discover the severe threats posed by plastic pollution and how beach cleans can mitigate these dangers.

• Ripple Effect of Beach Clean-Ups: Explore how beach clean-ups educate volunteers, inspire policy changes, and foster community environmental stewardship.

• Getting Involved: Find out how to participate in beach cleans, whether by joining volunteer groups or organizing your own clean-up efforts.

• Effective Beach Clean Tips: Get practical advice on preparing for, conducting, and following up on a successful beach clean, including safety measures and proper disposal methods.

• Community and Environmental Benefits: See how beach cleans build community spirit, promote sustainability, and protect marine life.

• Seaside Jewellery's Commitment: Learn about Seaside Jewellery's dedication to environmental sustainability and their partnership with Surfers Against Sewage.

Why Beach Cleans Matter

Beach cleans are essential for several reasons. They help reduce plastic pollution and marine pollution, which directly impact marine animals and their habitats. By removing rubbish from beaches, we can prevent it from entering the ocean and causing further harm.

The Plastic Problem on Our Beaches

Every year, an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans. From plastic bottles to bags, straws to synthetic microfibers, these items are the most common type of marine debris found on our shores. Over time, plastic breaks down into smaller pieces called microplastics, which are virtually impossible to clean up and can cause significant harm to marine life.

The Impact of Marine Pollution

Marine pollution, especially plastic pollution, poses a severe threat to marine life. Plastics can take hundreds of years to decompose and often break down into microplastics, which are ingested by sea creatures, leading to injury or death. Beach cleans help tackle this issue by removing plastics and other litter from our coastline.

The Butterfly Effect of Beach Clean-Ups

Beach clean-ups have a ripple effect that extends far beyond the day of the event.

• Firstly, they are a valuable educational tool. Volunteers often leave with a heightened awareness of the impact of litter on our environment and a greater understanding of the importance of waste reduction and recycling.

• Secondly, beach clean-ups can inspire policy change. By showcasing the amount of single-use plastic collected, clean-ups can provide compelling evidence to support bans or taxes on items like plastic bags, straws, and styrofoam containers.

• Lastly, the clean-up events bring communities together for a common cause. This unity can spark ongoing environmental stewardship, where residents feel a shared responsibility for the cleanliness and health of their local beaches.

How to Get Involved in a Beach Clean

There are many ways you can participate in a beach clean-up. Look for local environmental or conservation groups that host clean-up events.

1. Joining a Beach Clean Volunteer Group

Many organizations host beach clean events where volunteers gather to clean up beaches. These events are a great way to meet like-minded people and make a tangible impact. Check local listings, social media, or websites of environmental groups to find beach clean events in your area.

Surfers against Sewage can give guidance in organising a beach clean near you, as well as providing info on where organised events are taking place.

2. Organizing Your Own Beach Clean

On a smaller scale it can be as simple as bringing a bag to collect rubbish the next time you visit the beach. Remember to sort and recycle the waste you collect correctly.

Some items can be repurposed or upcycled; a reminder of the creativity that can emerge when we start viewing waste as a resource, not just rubbish.

A great example of this is Castaway Ropeworks who handmake their beautiful products out of Ghost Gear and end-of-service ropes donated by local boats, utilising the dying art of ropework skills. Ghost Gear is fishing equipment lost at sea and can travel many miles ensnaring all manner of marine life until it reaches the shore.

Here are some steps to get started in organizing your own beach clean:

1. Choose a Location: Select a beach that needs cleaning. Consider safety, accessibility, and the level of pollution.

2. Gather Supplies: Bring gloves, bags for litter, and a clear bucket for small items. Non-slip beach shoes are also recommended.

3. Invite Participants: Reach out to friends, family, and your community to join your beach clean effort.

4. Dispose of Litter Properly: Ensure that all collected litter is disposed of correctly, recycling where possible.

Top Tips for Effective Beach Cleans

Preparing for a Beach Clean

Before heading out, make sure you are well-prepared. Check tide times to avoid high tide, which can make a beach clean more difficult and dangerous. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy footwear to protect your feet from sharp objects.

During the Beach Clean

• Safety First: Always wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp or contaminated objects.

• Sort the Litter: Separate recyclables from non-recyclables. This makes it easier to dispose of the litter properly.

• Work in Teams of Volunteers: Cover more ground and make the task easier by working with other volunteers.

• Focus on High-Risk Items: Prioritize picking up items that pose the greatest threat to marine life, such as plastic bags, fishing lines, and micro plastics.

• Stay Hydrated: Bring water and stay hydrated, especially on hot days.

• Document Your Findings: Participate in a citizen science project by documenting the types and quantities of litter you collect. This data can help researchers understand the scope of marine litter.

After the Beach Clean

• Proper Disposal: Ensure all litter is disposed of correctly. Recycle plastic and other materials whenever possible.

• Share Your Experience: Encourage others to get involved by sharing your beach clean experience on social media.

The Benefits of Beach Cleans

Beach cleans offer numerous benefits beyond the obvious environmental impact. They foster community spirit, promote awareness about marine pollution, and encourage more sustainable behaviors.

Reducing Plastic Pollution and Beach Debris

By removing plastic and other litter from beaches, beach cleans help reduce the amount of plastic that enters the ocean. This protects marine life and improves the overall health of marine ecosystems.

Protecting Marine Life

Marine life is often harmed by ingesting or becoming entangled in marine litter. Beach cleans help protect these animals by removing hazardous debris from their habitats.

Beach Cleans Build Community

Beach cleans bring people together for a common cause, strengthening community bonds and raising awareness about the importance of keeping our coastline clean. Many beaches benefit from regular clean-ups, enhancing the beauty and health of our coastal areas.

Together Towards a Clean Beach

Beach cleans make a big difference by cleaning our shores, fostering community, and inspiring change. By participating in or organizing beach cleans, you can help reduce marine pollution, safeguard marine animals, and enjoy the beauty of clean beaches.

Here at Seaside Jewellery very proud to be a @surfersagainstsewage Plastic Free Champion. We are replacing our foam jewellery box inserts with eco-friendly foam inserts made from natural viscose and from tall oil which is a by-product of paper production. Living close to the sea we are passionate about making our business environmentally friendly.

Every piece of litter removed is a step towards a healthier coastline and a cleaner ocean. So, grab your gloves, head to the nearest beach, and get involved in a beach clean today!