CAPE TOWN-A local ocean activist says the amount of microplastics and litter she sees on Kommetjie and Long beach is a concerning sight.
People’s Post spoke with Wave One Hundred activist and Kommetjie resident Frankie Albright, who says this issue needs urgent addressing.
She also shared several photos of the microplastics they’ve encountered during beach clean-ups at the two beaches over the past weeks.
“I’m a 57-year-old TV producer that has been working in London but recently returned home to live in Kommetjie where I’ve been shocked to see the amount of plastic accumulating on our beaches. In winter, the storms ground it down into minute microplastics that leaves a horrific trail along the waterline as the tide draws out each time,” she explains.
After she started noticing endless amounts of litter over the months he realised a bigger initiative was needed than hosting local beach cleans.
On Saturday 13 September, Albright started a collaboration with the Kommetjie Ratepayers Association. She brought a human wave of one hundred people to Long Beach to tackle the problem with kitchen sieves.
Ocean View community leader Vasco Vigis brought 50 cadets who lead with a marching band.
Ocean Pledge Charity was on hand to encourage people to make pledges to reduce throw-away plastics.
Albright says Imhoff resident George van der Schyff will be taking the plastics to CRDC (Centre for Regenerative Design and Collaboration) for recycling into building aggragates so that it will not end up being dumped into landfill.
Deputy Mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and environment Eddie Andrews says the City is aware of this ongoing challenge surrounding litter and microplastics on beaches.
“The City is aware of this ongoing challenge, the Bokraamspruit enters the sea on Long Beach, Kommetjie. This river unfortunately has a lot of litter including plastics thrown into it especially in the upper reaches where it is channelised. As a result, especially when it has rained, large amounts of small plastic can be discharged and is evident on the beach area at Kommetjie where the river crosses the beach. We ask residents and visitors to not litter as this has long-term negative effects on marine life,” says Andrews.
Local surfers were also encouraged to join the clean up by Roddy Torr of Kommetjie Surf shop who has sponsored the event.
“In recent years the environmental agenda has been fraught with anxiety for children who are constantly being shown photos of dying turtles, whereas this is a way to empower them by introducing them to an activity that will make an actual difference and educate them about what is happening to the plastics we so carelessly discard,” Albright said.
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