Marine Conservation Society Urges Beachgoers to Tackle Rubbish Ahead of Summer Holidays
- Shore cleaners in Devon are shifting focus from human waste to plastic pollution washed into their waters.
- Kayaking has become a method for these volunteers to clean up the beaches effectively.
- The initiative highlights the urgent need to address plastic waste in coastal areas.
As summer approaches, members of the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) are calling on beach users to remember their role as temporary visitors to Devon’s coastline. The initiative, led by Mr. Arding and his wife, Phillipa, has been promoting beach cleans since 1998, highlighting a concerning shift from general litter to an increase in plastic debris washed ashore. Mr. Arding encourages beachgoers to conduct a quick five-minute litter sweep during their visits, emphasizing that even small efforts can lead to significant improvements. Phillipa Arding, a dedicated member of the MCS for 12 years, has been a passionate advocate for marine life protection. Despite suffering a brain injury in 2015, she remains undeterred in her commitment to environmental conservation. Friends affectionately refer to her as the "queen" of beach cleans, and her efforts were recognized in 2013 when she received the MCS Fundraiser of the Year award. She encourages holidaymakers to combine their paddling adventures with beach clean-ups, promoting a sense of responsibility towards the environment. Nils Mueller, owner of Paddle Devon, echoed the sentiments of the Ardings, noting that he encounters waste daily during his work. He remarked that every beach he has visited has had some form of rubbish or plastic. Notably, he expressed surprise at the volume of debris originating from the fishing industry, underscoring the need for collective action to protect the marine ecosystem.