Whitmore Bay, Barry Island, South Wales
#2minutebeachclean
The board encourages people to get involved with keeping their natural spaces free from marine and general litter.
It gives people an immediate sense of well-being as well as helping prevent litter from floating out to sea. There is a massive problem with plastic in the oceans and this is one small way that everyone can contribute to a solution.
What is plastic pollution?
It’s plastic where it shouldn’t be. It’s in the sea and on the beach and it’s causing harm. We’re using more plastic than ever, it’s durable, cheap to produce and we’re consuming it at staggering rates. Current estimates show that at last 8 million pieces of plastic are entering the oceans every single day.
How does it get in the sea?
Two-thirds of it comes straight from land based sources: litter being left on the beach or washed down rivers and drains from litter being dropped in towns and cities. It comes from industry spills, badly managed landfill sites and bins near the coast or by being flushed down the loo. The remainder is lost at sea such as containers going overboard or lost fishing gear.
How can I help?
https://www.keepwalestidy.cymru/allwalesbeachclean or visit your local beach.
Wellbeing and being active.
Be responsible for our waste is more than recycling, it also impacts wellbeing. The local beaches provide a beautiful, tranquil place to relax and de-stress from life.
People living near the sea are probably more likely to head out for a walk – and so get some sunlight on their skin. It’s worth doing wherever you live, because sunlight enables the body to make vitamin D, which helps you absorb calcium for stronger bones, as well as working against hypertension and a whole host of other health issues.
The calming sound of the sea is difficult to emulate, but studies have shown that looking at greenery de-stresses you too. Find walks near you by going to Walking Britain or National Parks. Even looking at an image of a green setting helps, apparently, so put a leafy screensaver on your computer to help you stay relaxed.
Living by the water encourages outdoor exercise – a walk along the beach is a more attractive prospect than a walk down the high street – but don’t let that stop you. Hire a rowing boat on your nearest river or lake, go for a hike at your local reservoir or wildlife reserve. And if you can’t do any of that, hit the gym. All forms of exercise cause you to release endorphins, which helps boost your mood.
