'Trash Bash' beach clean-up highlights urgent need to protect oceans
According to the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, 488 kilotonnes (kt) of plastic enter our environment every year, with nearly 90% of ocean species studied showing signs of plastic contamination.
Beach clean up trash bash I Picture: CapeTalk
May is a big month for ocean lovers.
From Endangered Species Day (17 May) to Biodiversity Day (22 May) and World Turtle Day (23 May), it’s a time to honour the incredible life beneath the waves and the urgent need to protect it.
On Saturday, the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation teamed up with Primedia Cares, CapeTalk, and Save A Fishie for a 'Trash Bash' beach clean-up at Lagoon Beach.
Located between the Diep and Salt Rivers, this beach is a hotspot for pollution, collecting everything from stormwater run-off to urban waste.
"Beach clean-ups like Trash Bash are a powerful way to take action, connect with others, and highlight the urgent need to protect our marine environments."
- Phumza Jongihlathi, Community Relationship Coordinator at the Aquarium
"Trash Bash isn’t just a clean-up, it’s a statement that we care, we act, and we believe in the power of community to drive change."
- Trish Taylor, Head of Primedia Cares
According to the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, 488 kilotonnes (kt) of plastic enter our environment every year, with nearly 90% of ocean species studied showing signs of plastic contamination.
It doesn’t stop at sea life; microplastics have been found in our food, water, and even breast milk.
But small actions matter, like choosing to use less plastic, recycling more, or lending a hand at your local beach clean-up can all help turn the tide.