Between Shell setting out to blast the Wild Coast, mass seal deaths in the Cape, and mining continuing along the West Coast, the ocean has been subjected to more than it can bare, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Robyn Simpson, and my soul feels absolutely rocked.
Read also: Shell allegedly set to blast Wild Coast oceans for oil and gas
Fortunately, the beautiful Cape Town community has managed to shed a bit of light on a truly dull reality. This weekend passed, more than 300 Capetonians participated in an ocean awareness event to encourage waste reduction and ocean conservation.
Local business The Good Machine teamed up with Chardonnay Deli and Dalebrook Café (who make incredible chocolate cake, just by the way), as well as the Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Education Centre, to host a 15km fun run, mural unveiling, and beach cleanup at Dalebrook Tidal pool in Kalk Bay.
View this post on Instagram
Read also: WATCH: 5 ways to have a perfect day in Kalk Bay
Adviser to The Beach Co-op, Professor Peter Ryan, says over 400 coffee cup lids have been found in the last 23 cleanups in the Dalebrook Tidal Pool area alone. Never mind all the other plastic and waste that finds its way into the sea all along our coastline.
View this post on Instagram
In an effort to combat this, owner of popular local coffee shop Dalebrook Café Charmaine Lilje says, “We will immediately decrease our plastic packaging and work towards reduced waste living. We are working on tools to effectively implement this and communicate this to our customers and suppliers. In partnership with The Good Machine and The Beach Co-operative to guide us in becoming a benchmark in sustainable business. We cannot afford to produce and consume as we have done in the past. It is at the cost of the planet.”
Read also: The ultimate guide to Cape Town’s epic tidal pools
Support for the event exceeded all the organisers’ expectations, illustrating how strongly Capetonians feel about the urgency in protecting our oceans and marine life. Founder of The Good Machine, Gita Amber Carroll, says, “Our people and planet are in dire need of help. Caring cooperation with fierce determination is the way that we will approach this!”
View this post on Instagram
Read also: The devastating cause behind mass seal deaths revealed
Participant Cyndi Mendozi says, “Being able to give back to the ocean felt incredible. It does so much for me like keeping my mind healthy. I am a better person because of the ocean and this event allowed me to take some immediate action to help. A thoughtful, fun and purpose-driven event”.
The SOSF Shark Education Centre which is situated across the road from the tidal pool has sponsored an ocean-themed mural painted by Claire of CareCreative to showcase the diversity of sharks and marine life found in False Bay.
View this post on Instagram
The Centre’s Director Clova Mabin was excited to participate in yesterday’s event. She says, “We have common objectives: share a positive message about keeping our oceans in balance, learn and protect our local marine environment, opt for a responsible attitude in our daily life (avoid single-use plastic, reuse, recycle). Using art and sport to raise awareness about the importance of healthy oceans is a fantastic initiative.”
Read also: Cape Town man becomes the first to swim to-and-from Dyer Island
“SOSF-SEC was particularly happy with the creation of a permanent mural at the Dalebrook rockpool depicting local species including endemic sharks and rays; it will enhance the SOSF SEC visitors’ experience of the area and help to educate our young public,” she went on to say.
The Beach Co-op has warned that our marine life is under severe threat from the careless way we produce and consume waste. The body believes its not plastic itself, which is the problem, but rather the symptom of larger systemic issues.
All proceeds from the event will go to The Beach Co-op to support regular beach clean-ups to encourage a reduced-waste and ocean-minded lifestyle.
How to play your part?
Follow all the event contributors on social media to take park in the next event, volunteer your time, or simply donate:
Additionally, grab your friends and family and dedicate a few hours to walking along your favourite beach, picking up litter as you go.
Read also:
WATCH: Local film exposes the impact of mining activity along the West Coast
Pictures: Supplied