FEATURED articles

Wellbeing Trends for 2024

As we step into 2024, the world of well-being is teeming with transformative trends that...

When is the best time of year to visit Bawah Reserve?

We are often asked about the best time of year to schedule a trip to Bawah Reserve.Which...

How to get to Bawah Reserve

Our faraway paradise is well worth the journey and there are many ways to get to Bawah,...

Help clean up our beaches

Beach clean-up. Indonesia. Plastic in the ocean.

“No one knows for certain how much plastic has accumulated in the seas. The best guess,
made in 2015, was about 150 million metric tons. Assuming things remain the same, the
study estimates that accumulation will become 600 million metric tons by 2040.”

National Geographic

 

The Problem

In the last five years, alarming statistics and images from around the world have emerged highlighting the exploding issue of rubbish in the ocean. Years of neglect have culminated in huge patches of waste drifting around our seas. The largest, The Great Pacific garbage patch discovered by Ocean Cleanup, comes in at 1.6 million square kilometers of floating trash and debris, drifting with the currents between Hawaii and California. It is thought that some of the plastic in the patch is over 50 years old!

 

The Solution

Bawah Anambas Foundation Waste Management Lady beach clean up

The key solution lies at the root of the problem, our global dependence on single use plastics, polystyrene and non-recyclable materials that we use in our everyday lives. Solid waste management has become even more critical and everyone from scientists to community leaders are working to try to tackle the problem. If you have been following Bawah for a while you will be familiar with the Anambas Foundation where solid waste management is one of the biggest projects they have been focusing on. This, along with community education, is starting to make a positive difference in the Anambas islands.  Read more here.

 

Beach Clean Ups

bawah_wwf_team_cleaning_beach_together

There are many ways we can help to rid our oceans of the flotsam and debris that endangers marine life and leaves the shoreline looking like a pile of litter. Beach clean-ups are a great education in just how prevalent the ocean rubbish problem is. Plus, simply clearing the garbage stops it from re-entering the sea, thereby improving the coastal and ocean ecosystems.

You don’t need to focus solely on beaches - actually, all rivers and streams eventually lead into the ocean and are just as important to keep clean.

At Bawah Reserve our paradise isn’t exempt from plastic pollution either, with as much as 100 kilograms of waste washing up on our beaches every month, we work diligently to keep our beaches pristine. Those guests who are interested, can join us for an early morning beach cleanup or support our reef clean-up effort with an underwater conservation dive

 

Turtle-a

 

 

Why get involved?

bawah_team_cleaning_beach

Here are 10 additional benefits of cleaning up your local beach according to The Environmentor 

1. You save marine animals – sea life can get caught in rubbish thrown in the ocean.2. You preserve our natural treasures – beaches are beautiful places to visit.
3. You keep toxic chemicals out of the water – even small cigarette buts leach contaminants into the water. Gross.
4. You help the local economy – clean beaches mean more visitors and fish for viewing or fishing.
5. You create a safer environment – metal and glass debris can be hazardous on the beach.
6. You can dispose of things the right way – you can remove and recycle what you collect.
7. You make seafood safer – what goes in the ocean ends up on your plate if you eat seafood.
8. You can be outside – enjoy the natural beauty and the sunshine!
9. You can meet new people – start collecting litter and people will want to join in.
10. You get some good exercise – you’ll burn some calories walking and collecting trash.


How to get involved wherever you are?

smiley_female_staff_collecting_trash_in_sack_beach_cleaning

The easiest way is to get started on your own or with your friends and family. Grab a bin bag and tongs and head to the local beach or riverfront to get picking and clear rubbish. Want to make a bigger impact? Why not organise a group to clear a larger area? Working together can be more fun and more productive. There are also many organised beach cleanups around the world, here are some that you could get involved with:

France
Indonesia  in Bali,  in east Java, or Jakarta based.
Italy 
Singapore: 9 great groups to check out here
Spain
Taiwan
Thailand
UK
US

 

Sorry if we have missed your country – Please google “beach cleanup near me” and you will find a group to join!  Good luck and please share your beach clean-up photos and stories. You could be an inspiration to others!

If you would like to book a trip to Bawah Reserve then please click on enquiry below: 

Start Your Journey

 

you may also like

Wellbeing Trends for 2024

As we step into 2024, the world of well-being is teeming with transformative trends that...

When is the best time of year to visit Bawah Reserve?

We are often asked about the best time of year to schedule a trip to Bawah Reserve.Which...

How to get to Bawah Reserve

Our faraway paradise is well worth the journey and there are many ways to get to Bawah,...

leave a comment