Join the nature-loving community of the Two Oceans Aquarium and do something positive for the environment. Help tackle the plastic waste in our oceans by participating in a Trash Bash beach cleanup at Mouille Point Beach this Saturday, 2 July.
Trash Bash makes a difference
Trash Bash is a campaign by the Two Oceans Aquarium, expanding on their previous cleanup commitments. Aside from the obvious perks of doing a cleanup, Trash Bash also contributes to important scientific research by following the Dirty Dozen data collection method.
The Dirty Dozen are the 12 litter items that are most commonly found during cleanups. These are: carrier bags, chip packets, cigarette lighters, cooldrink bottles, cooldrink lids, earbuds, fishing line, lightsticks, plastic lollipop sticks, straws, sweet wrappers and water bottles.
Attendees work together in groups and record everything collected, paying specific attention to the Dirty Dozen items. At the end of each cleanup, the data is collated and contributes to research tracking the different sources of marine litter.
Since the first event in 2018, Trash Bashers have already collected tons of waste; at Monwabisi Beach on 18 September 2021 alone, 837 kg of trash was collected.
Apart from being awesome for the environment, cleanups are also good for us humans. Anyone who has participated in previous Trash Bashes knows that it’s actually a chance to have a ball, to spend time with friends and family, to breathe in some fresh air, and to leave a slightly better, slightly more informed person.
“Cleaning up isn’t just good for the environment, it is also good for those taking part,” says Two Oceans Aquarium Communications and Sustainability Manager Helen Lockhart. “It leaves participants feeling that they are making a difference, playing their part and being responsible for something as fragile, yet incredibly important as the ocean. The outcome of these cleanups is often much bigger than just a cleaner beach, as it changes people’s view of their role within the environment and instils a sense of responsibility towards their surrounds. Cleanups also get us outdoors and to appreciate the beauty of our surrounds.”
Trash Bash at Mouillie Point
On 2 July the Trash Bash Cleanup will take place at Mouille Point Beach. Bring some weather-appropriate clothing, water (in a reusable bottle), reusable gloves (like the ones you’d use for gardening or doing dishes), and lots of enthusiasm.
Details:
- Date: Saturday 2 July 2022
- Time: 9am to 11am
- Location: Mouille Point Beach, at parking lot at Beach Rd and Fritz Sonnenberg Rd intersection.
Competition: Guess the trash weight and win
Two Oceans Aquarium and the Trash Bash organisers have teamed up with Consol Glass for the good of the ocean – and Trash Bashers can win! Simply guess the weight of the litter that will be collected during the cleanup and you could win a small prize!
Submit your guess when you register upon arrival. The closest three guesses will each take home a beautiful prize from Consol Glass, as well as some Two Oceans Aquarium goodies.
For more information, follow Two Oceans Aquarium on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Also read:
Call for action: damage to Table Mountain National Park and Echo Valley
Picture: Devon Bowen / Two Oceans Aquarium.
