6 November 2006
Beach Combing
by Marie, onboard the Esperanza
©Greenpeace/Alex Hofford
I live in a beach community back home, on the Chesapeake Bay. I try to pick up trash whenever I walk the beach. Usually, I'm out hunting for fossil shark teeth - it's a hobby of mine - and sometimes, I'd rather keep my hands and pockets free for my little treasures, rather than picking up trash. I've even walked past trash and thought to myself, I'll pick it up on the way back. But knowledge can be a double-edged sword, and I don't usually get more than a couple of feet before my guilty conscience drags me back, and I think of the sea turtle that might eat that plastic thinking it's a tasty jellyfish. Ignorance may be bliss to some, but it's lethal to others.
I've known for years that marine life was threatened by plastic pollution, but until now, I had no idea of the scale. In fact, we're just scratching the surface, literally, on this trip.
Even if you dont live near a beach, chances are, you vacation there when you can. I know we all like to relax on vacation, but next time youre at the beach, take just a moment to pick up trash when you see it. And remember, ocean protection begins on land, so even if youre not at the beach, pick up trash when you see it on the street, and make sure it doesnt get swept by rain into rivers, and end up here in the ocean.
For my part, I've got a new beach combing hobby when I get home.
Oh, and if you want to read more about what we've found so far, check out this new CNN article
Comments
My girlfriend and I have taken up this same hobby of combing the beach for trash. Its nice to know that its a "thing" and that others are out there with the same place in their heart. I wish I was on the beach right now picking up harmful trash instead im here at work! Thank you for doing what you do and maybe I will see you on the beach. I will be checking out the CNN article.
Jen
Posted by: Jen at November 8, 2006 12:10 AM
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