Plastic is a ubiquitous substance the has contaminated water ways, oceans and beaches in vast quantaties in the last 70 or so years since its invention. According to Greenpeace, around 100 million tons of plastic are produced yearly, with 10% of that ending up in the oceans.

In response to this massive pollution issue, PlasticsSA, the Ocean Conservancy, and KZN Conservation Services will be participating in the worlds 27th international Coastal Clean-up day on Saturday, the 15th of December. This event falls within the Clean-up SA week from the 10-15 of September which focuses on educating South Africans from all walks of life the benefits of recycling.

Last year, 21000 South Africans scoured 488km of coastline and collected a staggering 44738 kilograms of debris in just 3 hours. The cleanup continued underwater, with 154 divers removing 1687 kg of debris from the ocean’s floor. The work of the day is about picking up rubbish, but it forms part of a wider campaign of public education and data collection which helps to paint a better picture of marine debris sources in an effort to paint a better connection of the link between human activities and debris.

The public is encouraged to participate in this important initiative by joining the thousands of volunteers across the country in cleaning the coastline between 9.00 and 12.00 on Saturday morning.

To find information on a beach or river clean up near you go to www.cleanup-sa.co.za, or organise one yourself within your own community organisation.

Lend your time to being part of the solution.

For more information go to:

www.cleanup-sa.co.za
www.recyclingday-sa.co.za
www.marinelittersolutions.com

or contact these coordiantors:

John Kieser National Coordinator and Environmental Manager: Plastics|SA Email: John.Kieser@plasticsSA.co.za Mobile: 073 775 8561

Wayne Munger KwaZulu Natal Coastal Clean-Up Email: mungerw@kznwildlife.com Mobile: 082 559 2853