Beach Clean Up

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 07 Sep 2007, 09:57

I've put this up on POL but thought it worthwhile putting it on here too.

Portobello Woodcraft Folk invite all members of the local community, young and not so young, to join us for the annual survey and clean up of Portobello Beach.

This is part of the Marine Conservation Society's nationwide Beachwatch event and will take place on Friday 14th September from 2-4PM. Throughout this weekend, litter found on hundreds of beaches across the UK will be surveyed and analysed with the aim of reducing litter at source.

On a national level MCS uses the results from the Beachwatch litter surveys to publish a report every spring; influence government policy and industry practices and raise awareness of the problems caused by beach litter.

Many marine animals - 177 different species - are known to mistake litter for food, and this can block their digestive systems. Items such as lost fishing nets and plastic bags can cause entanglement of wildlife. Beach litter costs local authorities in the UK an estimated £14.5 million annually to clean up.

Meet at the end of Bath Street. We will provide litter pickers, gloves and bags. A prize will be given for the most unusual item found! Wear your old clothes.

For more information contact Jane Lewis – 0131 669 5591, mail to: jane@gn.apc.org

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 07 Sep 2007, 14:54

shame its a friday

Post by **wangi** » 07 Sep 2007, 15:09

Shame it's Portobello Beach... There are many beaches around Lothian that are dirty... whereas Portobello in cleaned regularly. Seafield to the Locks at Leith being a prime candidate for cleaning up...

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 07 Sep 2007, 15:24

wangi wrote:Shame it's Portobello Beach... There are many beaches around Lothian that are dirty... whereas Portobello in cleaned regularly.

Looked back at the results of the 2005 clean up.

Bob Jefferson wrote:Beach survey stats:

Total number of volunteers: 51
Total weight of trash collected: 13.8 Kilos
Very approx. area coverered: 150 sq. mtrs.
Number of individual items collected:

Bags: 13
Drink bottles: 8
Toiletries: 6
Caps / lids: 75
Cigarette lighters: 2
Fishing Net: 1
Industrial Packaging: 1
Pens: 3
Rope: 2
Toys: 5
Plastic pieces <1cm> 1 - 50cm: 107
Other > 50cm: 35
Fast food containers: 6
Foam / sponge: 1
Polystyrene pieces <50cm: 21
Balloons: 13
Gloves: 1
Rubber pieces <50cm: 1
Bottle caps: 22
Drink cans: 7
Foil wrappers: 7
Metal pieces: 6
Cotton bud sticks: 101
Animal faeces: 9
Cigarette stubs: 683
Ice lolly sticks: 27
Chip forks: 35
Glass pieces: 103
Pottery ceramics: 29

And that's from a 'clean' beach *yeuch*

Post by **wangi** » 07 Sep 2007, 17:14

Go down the wee beach off Marine Drive, you'll find that lot in a couple of square metres!

Puerto bella · Post by **Puerto bella** » 07 Sep 2007, 22:40

Beach isn't always cleaned.