We take on the 2 Minute Beach Clean
It’s clear why litter on our beaches and in our oceans is a bad thing. You don’t have to look far to find the facts and when you do, it’s pretty unnerving. Aside from contributing to a dirty beach, plastic pollution alone is responsible for causing the death of over 1 million marine animals and seabirds every year.
It’s so easy to ask yourself – what difference can I really make? Given the scale of the issue, it’s a common reaction to feel that your actions would be just a mere drop in the ocean (excuse the pun!). Cornwall based 2 Minute Beach Clean is a not-for-profit organisation that was set up to show that any action, big or small, is better than inaction.
The message is simple; spend two minutes picking up litter whenever and wherever you can… Pick it, tag it at #2minutebeachclean, then recycle what you can and bin the rest. Spreading the message on social media encourages others to do the same and your drop in the ocean joins a tidal force of beach cleans happening all around the world!
Lorna, Martha and Darren from Head Office decided to brave the elements on their lunch break to take part in their own #2minutebeachclean to see just how easy (and fun) it really is to do your bit and make a difference.
MARTHA
“It was surprising how much litter you can pick up in such a short space of time! So easy to pop out on your lunch break or after a coffee by the sea. I will definitely be getting family and friends involved to do it again. Just make sure you wrap up warm.”
LORNA
“I was amazed at how much rubbish we found in one small area – all the hidden bits of litter you wouldn’t normally notice. It was so nice to get out by the sea, but it felt really good to help clean up the beach too. And seeing the seal in the water was well worth it!”
DARREN
“I think it’s super important to look after the places you love and this is a great way to do just that. It’s fun too and a great excuse to go to the beach. Not that you need one!”
Two minutes quickly turned into half an hour (it’s quite addictive picking up litter!) and after covering just 500 yards of beach, the team had filled two small bin bags with various plastics, drink cans, rope and food packaging found in the tideline and the long grass that lined the top of the beach.
Want to take part?
You can find plenty of helpful information on 2 Minute Beach Clean’s website from facts to safety tips. And if you want to help the 2 Minute Beach Clean team put out more stations and encourage even more people to take part, donate here.