Date: September 9, 2023
Location: Pantai Kelanang, Banting
In the heart of Banting, Malaysia, on the 9th of September 2023, a group of dedicated individuals gathered at Pantai Kelanang to make a difference. Organised by Engage Life, this event was a part of the global movement known as International Coastal Cleanup Day. Each year, in September, volunteers worldwide join hand in hand in the battle against marine pollution. It’s a day when communities unite to remove trash from beaches, identify sources of litter, and inspire change in the fight against marine debris pollution. We believe in the power of collective action, and International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) Day is a testament to that belief.
For 35 years, ICC has played a crucial role in saving our marine ecosystems. Our oceans are teeming with life, from vibrant coral reefs to majestic whales. However, they are also vulnerable to the menace of marine debris. The interaction of marine pollution with these animals and plants often ends in tragedy. We’ve all seen heart-breaking images of marine animals entangled in plastics. But the good news is that it can be prevented. Beach clean-ups play a pivotal role in safeguarding our marine ecosystems by removing the trash that poses a grave danger to aquatic life.
The Multiple Benefits of Beach Clean-ups
- Protecting Marine Ecosystems: Beach clean-ups are our frontline defence against marine pollution. They remove hazardous debris that could otherwise harm marine flora and fauna. By dedicating a few hours to clean up our beaches, we’re ensuring a safer environment for the underwater world.
- Reducing Water Pollution: Even seemingly small items like cigarette butts can be highly toxic when they end up in the ocean. These tiny but deadly pollutants filter and collect carcinogenic substances from tobacco burning. When cigarette butts find their way into the ocean, they leach harmful chemicals toxic to fish. Beach clean-ups that involve getting rid of such debris help mitigate water pollution and safeguard marine life.
- Creating a Safe Environment: Beach-goers deserve a safe and enjoyable experience. Sharp objects like metal, glass, and plastics hidden in the sand can pose serious dangers. Beach clean-ups eliminate these hazards, making the beach a safer place for everyone.
- Supporting the Local Economy: Polluted beaches have an economic cost. Local communities depend on beach tourism and the richness of marine life for their livelihoods. When beaches and oceans are polluted, tourism, beach activities, and fishing are affected. Engage Life’s beach clean-ups help maintain clean, attractive beaches, which, in turn, support tourism and fishing, contributing to the local economy.
Beach Clean-Ups: More Than Meets the Eye
Beyond the immediate benefits, beach clean-ups serve as valuable research tools. Each piece of debris collected offers insights into beach pollution. Researchers can categorize and analyse the types of rubbish, helping communities and governments take steps to reduce specific kinds of pollution in the future.
Microplastics pose a massive concern for marine life and human health. Research shows that approximately 84% of all pollution along beaches is plastic debris, with 42% being microplastics. Cleaning our beaches significantly reduces the risk of bioaccumulation and ensures a healthier future for both our oceans and ourselves.
Apart from the tangible benefits, beach clean-ups also play a vital role in raising awareness about beach pollution. Public awareness is a powerful tool for reducing pollution rates in the long term. By sensitising people about the effects of pollution, we contribute to a cleaner and healthier beach ecosystem.
Engage Life’s beach clean-up wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our partners, So Good Malaysia and Cocova chocolates for providing all our volunteers with goodies to energise the morning.
A total of 36 people participated, including members of Reskills, 5 Luxe Scents, partners, investors as well as children. Together, we became citizen scientists, meticulously recording our clean-up efforts using Clean Swell, a data collection resource by Ocean Conservancy. Their contributions and the donations collected during the event will be directed to Reef Check Malaysia, a crucial organisation dedicated to marine conservation. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us on this mission.
During our clean-up, we encountered a staggering array of waste, a testament to the scope of the problem. Among the items we found were plastic bottles, plastic bags, cigarette butts, and even an old, rusted multi-cooker. Over 200 meters of beach coverage, we collected an impressive 91kg of rubbish.
A Commitment to a Cleaner Future
Engage Life is committed to making beach clean-ups a more regular occurrence, and we invite the public to join us in the effort. Together, we can create lasting change and ensure the pristine beauty of our beaches and the health of our marine ecosystems.
In conclusion, our beach clean-up on International Coastal Clean-up Day was not just about picking up trash; it was about taking a stand for the environment, for the future of our oceans, and for the well-being of our communities. We believe in the power of collective action, and we invite you to join us in making waves of positive change.
