The Surfrider Foundation, and Plastic Bay Free Torquay recently worked together to conduct a Jan Juc litter blitz, uncovering some interesting items of rubbish along the way.
Volunteers from and members from the local community helped collect 25 large bags of litter – litter that would otherwise be left to impact our oceans.
Items collected included old carpet, a broken fishing rod, a body-board, a tent and lots of plastic and glass tumblers.
The Surfrider Foundation has been holding regular beach clean ups along the Surf Coast since 1996 to reduce the presence of litter on beaches and promote community participation.
Hot refreshments were provided by Mark Clatworthy from Ocean Gind who donated the day’s profits to the Surfrider Foundation.
The Surfrider Foundation Surf Coast partners with Plastic Bag Free Torquay and the Take 3 initiative, working in collaboration to reduce plastic pollution along the Surf Coast.
How can I help?
- Remember to bring your reusable shopping bags when you go grocery shopping.
- Keep reusable bags handy in the boot, glove box, backpack or handbag to use when shopping.
- Reuse plastic bags you have accumulated at home as garbage bin liners, freezing food or while walking your dog.
- Collect rubbish you see when walking along the coast and put it in the bin.
- Help spread the word! Education is so important in reducing plastic pollution, so please help educate and inspire others to look after the environment.
- Volunteer with a local environmental group and start making a difference in your area
And remember ….
Refuse disposable plastic, Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle and Respond by picking up rubbish.
Interested in volunteering and making a difference? Visit our website here for more information on local coastal volunteer groups.
Have you found any strange items of rubbish on the beach? Let us know in the comments below!
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Blog 