It's time to clean up Treasure Beach

Listen as Natania, event organiser of the 'Big Treasure Beach Clean-Up' chats about the event below, or read the details under the podcast. 

Read: One man's trash is another man's treasure

World Oceans Day is celebrated yearly across the world on 8 June, and it's all so that we can create a better future for the planet.

It's so disheartening when we live so close to the beach and we cannot seem to care and protect it. The worst is when you're strolling on the beach, and there you go, there are straws, cans, and the dreaded polystyrene. I mean, guys, there are bins everywhere or take it home, it's as easy as that! 

With that being said, pollution on our beaches and subsequent contamination of oceans is a big reality that we cannot ignore. We have to do something to make it better, and that's where these initiatives come in. 

WESSA is an organisation that cares about the planet, and the event aims to not only clean-up but to educate students and parents alike on the devastating impact of pollution. 

Read: 100 Trees, 100 Schools, 100 Years

This year's 'World Oceans Day' will focus on preventing plastic pollution and encouraging solutions for a healthy ocean. I for one have already started reducing the amount of plastic I use and like I said yesterday, I'm all about the second-hand life and finding ways to re-use material as opposed to easily throwing things into the bin. Recycle, recycle, recycle - that's my motto, and I stand by it. 

Check out some of these hard-hitting facts that we all need to know:

• At least 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans each year
• There is more microplastic in the ocean than there are stars in the Milky Way
• 322 million tons of plastic were produced in 2015
  
• 60-90 percent of marine litter is plastic-based
• More than 50 percent of sea turtles have consumed plastic
  
• The amount of plastic in the world's oceans could increase by a factor of 10 in the next decade
• Cigarette butts, plastic bags, fishing gear, and food and beverage containers are the most common forms of plastic pollution found in the oceans.

Change is all up to us! Here are 7 easy ways to save the ocean:

1.    Never buy single-use plastic water bottles
2.    Say no to plastic bags and use recycled bags instead
3.    Purchase upcycled products
4.    Use to-go-ware over plastic forks, spoons, or straws
5.    Use a stainless steel straw over single-use plastic straws
6.    Bring your own coffee mug and if you must use a disposable cup be sure to refuse the plastic lid
7.    Keep a box in your car with to-go ware, coffee cups, plates and everything you will need 

Event details:

• Treasure Beach, Bluff KZN 
• Saturday 9th June 
• 08:00 to 16:00   
• For more info, please contact Natania: 072 632 8593 or visit www.wessa.org.za