Having an older sister who studies the environment and is constantly on your case for being sustainable seems annoying right? Surprisingly for me, I've started seeking advice from mine in order to live a life which isn't harming our world. After missing multiple beach cleans due to work or other arrangements, we finally were able to make one in October of last year.
I was firstly surprised with the small outcome, the event posted by Bournemouth University’s student union, SUBU welcomed anyone to arrive and leave during the day. So maybe there was a bigger turn out before we arrived, however as I looked around I noticed the lack of contributors. I don't think there were more than 6 of us during the 2 hours I spent scanning the sandy beach for litter of any sort.
My second surprise was how much litter I actually picked up. My hand started to cramp from the picker, my back had tensed up from the winds and my face felt like ice. Looking at my half full sack I felt a bit upset, my aim was at least one full bag, however this small lump of rubbish contained what felt like millions of cigarette butts, dozens of plastic bottles, even more bottle lids and a handful of clothing items. I felt a bit sick. It was such a small pile of rubbish, but this rubbish would be stuck on the beach for YEARS AND YEARS if I hadn't picked it up. I also felt sick knowing that there’s so much more rubbish here that won't get taken away, that can harm animals, the earth and us. My experience opened my eyes, into how important recycling is, and how just “once or twice” can still have a massive impact on the earth. I now always carry a personal ashtray with me,
as well as a reusable water bottle and some reusable bags!
I encourage everyone to find your local beach clean up and GO! It’s something to do, which is free and local. It also gets you out and about, with fresh air and a small amount of physical activity. Not only this but you’ll be saving our earth. It won't last forever, we need to do as much as we can to help preserve this wonderful rock we live on. Just remember, no matter where you are, PICK UP YOUR LITTER, dispose of it in a local bin, take it home and dispose of it there, or even recycle it. Every little thing you do does help!
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