BSL commemorates Plastic-Free July with collaborative action at Preethipura Beach

Monday, 7 October 2019 10:09 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

In line with ‘Plastic Free July’, a global movement to raise awareness and promote solutions for reducing plastic pollution, Shangri-La Hotel Colombo, a patron member Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL), conceptualised a collaborative action to clean up the Preethipura Beach in collaboration with BSL on Saturday, 27 July. The enterprise was supported by Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Ltd. and Cleantech Ltd., also patron members of BSL, with technical guidance by the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA).

Over 50 volunteers representing the partnering organisations participated in this event, where approximately 140 garbage bags full of segregated waste and debris were collected within an area of about 500m along the western shoreline. Among the waste collected was an array of single-use plastics including PET bottles, polythene packaging, plastic straws and lollipop sticks, as well as minute plastic debris (microplastics) which were separated from the rest with much difficulty. In addition, there were other non-degradable items such as glass bottles, metal cans, styrofoam waste and some clinical waste including used syringes. Youth from a community organisation in the locality also volunteered and showed interest in participating in further steps to maintain the cleanliness of the beach.

The Preethipura Beach is a popular coastal stretch among community members and visitors, and therefore subject constantly to the risk of pollution and solid waste accumulation. According to MEPA, ratio of pollutants in this area include PET and plastic (40%), polythene (15%), glass (20%), metal (5%), other non-degradable materials (10%) and degradable materials (10%). Although there had been beach clean-ups previously at this location, it continues to be polluted as there is no proper mechanism in place for sustainable waste disposal.

The purpose of this multi-partner initiative was to set up a long-term, sustainable mechanism for the collection and disposal of waste, and also for creating awareness among visitors about reducing wasteful consumption and promoting the responsible disposal of single use plastics. BSL will co-ordinate further steps of this initiative together with the continued support of the partnering organisations. An open invitation will be sent out to all BSL Members to lend support in any way they are able to ensure the sustainability of this initiative.

Suresh, Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA)