The International Coastal Cleanup Day is annually celebrated on every third Saturday in the month of September worldwide thus this year it falls on 17th of September.
The day aims to create awareness regarding the pollution and trash which are present at our coasts today and so urges people and authorities all over the world to take up action in keeping our coasts and beaches clean.
Today population growth and rapid industrialization over the centuries has become one of the major causes for the problem of trash and pollution that we see today in our oceans especially in regards with the plastic waste.
| Event | International Coastal Cleanup Day |
|---|---|
| Date | September 17, 2022 |
| Day | Saturday |
| Significance | The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the pollution and trash that are present on our coasts |
| Observed by | World wide |
International Coastal Cleanup Day History:
The origins of the International Coastal Cleanup Day is linked up with the Ocean Conservancy organization. The Ocean Conservancy organization was created in 1972 with an aim to take care and clean the American coastlines amd branches from trash, wastes and pollution.
The International Coastal Cleanup Day came up into existence more than 30 years ago. It was founded by Linda Maraniss and Kathy O’Hara, both of whom worked at the Ocean Conservancy in 1986. As in 1986, Maraniss was inspired by O’Hara’s work and dedication towards cleaning up the ocean.
As she also published a letter that year which discusses about the problems of pollution especially plastic waste in the ocean. So Maraniss discussed her interest with O’Hara about starting a day to bring attention to the worod about the oceans growing pollution problem. They approached several environmental groups and activists with the idea, and in no time, the duo had enough support to start an official cleanup and in this way this day was founded.
Cleaning up the beaches wasn’t the only aim of the International Coastal Cleanup Day. Another important goal was to document and study the type of trash collected during the cleanup. So that a proper roadmap could be prepared to deal with the waste on the coastline and oceans can come up. Which includes identifying type of waste and the disintegrating it.
International Coastal Cleanup Day Significance:
Because of the large population growth and rapid industrialization in recent times have contributed a lot in the large amount of wastage to be dumped on our oceans especially plastic waste which then gets collected over our coastlines and beaches and makes them dirty as well.
The most common types of garbage that we find on our beaches and coastline include cigarette butts, food wrappers, plastic straws, plastic bottle caps, and plastic beverage bottles. Plastics are especially harmful as they are non-biodegradable. The weather and UV Rays makes these plastics break down into tiny pieces, which then get infiltrated into the environment. And as result they produce very negative affect on our ecosystem.
According to recent estimates, there are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean which means about 46,000 tonnes of plastic debris are floating in every mile of an ocean. While some of these plastics were dumped directly into the sea, some of it was swept into the sea from the coastline. By ridding beaches of plastic and other garbage, it lessens the likelihood of it ending up in the ocean. Hence the environment can be protected.
Water has a cyclical nature, which means that anything we are putting into our oceans and other water bodies will come back to us sooner or later. Hence it is very important that we keeps our coastline clean and protected today for the future of our healthy ecosystem. As negligence of it can lead to devastating consequences.
International Coastal Cleanup Day Theme:
The International Coastal Cleanup Day is celebrated annually with a specific theme each year which is decided by the Ocean Conservancy organization.
The theme for International Coastal Cleanup Day 2022 is "Fighting for Trash Free Seas."
The message of the theme is very simple as it is asking people to fulfill their regular duties as a responsible citizen of this world and hence it is our responsibility to keep our world especially seas and other water bodies free from waste and pollution as if not it is gonna effect us only in the long run. So this is the right time now for the action for it before it is too late.
Most Searched FAQs on International Coastal Cleanup Day:
1. When is International Coastal Cleanup Day is celebrated?
International Coastal Cleanup Day is annually celebrated on every third Saturday in September.
2. What are the benefits of coastal cleanup?
There are numerous benefits of a coastal cleanup like cleaner beaches and coasts, less pollution, opportunity to meet and socialize, and aid the local economy.
3. How can we keep the beach safe and clean?
You can keep the beach clean and safe by always carrying a trash bag with you if you plan to stay there for a while. If you do not have a trash bag, make sure you discard your trash into the trash bins or carry your trash with you until you locate a bin.