Under the clearing skies of Kuta Beach, a committed group of environmental enthusiasts gathered for an early beach cleanup on June 8th, 2024. Despite the morning rain that delayed our start until 7:30 AM, the spirits of the 37 participants, including local Sawangan residents, Bali WISE students, and R.O.L.E. Foundation staff, remained undeterred.
This month’s cleanup, although earlier than usual, was a testament to our collective dedication to preserving the beauty of our coastline. The rain, which gave way to a vibrant rainbow, set the stage for a day of impactful environmental action. Working through the mid-tide, we had to wrap up quickly as the tide rose, completing our efforts in about an hour. During this time, our volunteers managed to collect an impressive 247.75 kilograms of inorganic waste.
Among the waste collected, hard plastic was the most prevalent compared to other kind of plastic, making up 13.7% of the total. Much of this waste was found lodged in the gaps of the limestones along the shore, likely due to the high number of visitors who indiscriminately dispose of their trash. Additionally, a significant amount of glass bottles was collected, a common sight given the numerous local vendors selling beverages along Kuta Beach. Other frequently found items included straws and cutlery, reflecting the area’s active culinary scene.
As our volunteers combed the beach, their efforts were not just about removing waste but also about addressing a larger environmental issue. Each piece of trash collected symbolized the broader challenge of ocean pollution and the critical need for increased environmental awareness and action. Our cleanups aim to do more than just clean the beach; they seek to inspire a culture of environmental stewardship that extends beyond our immediate community.
Through the dedication of all involved, we continue to make strides towards a cleaner, healthier coastline. The collaborative spirit and commitment of our volunteers are vital in driving the change needed to protect our oceans and beaches for future generations.
Location and Condition of the Beach
Kuta Beach, a renowned and vibrant destination, attracts thousands of visitors each day. This beautiful beach, celebrated for its stunning sunset views and bustling atmosphere, also faces significant challenges due to its popularity. Over the years, Kuta has experienced notable abrasion, impacting both its natural beauty and ecosystem. The beach is a crucial nesting site for sea turtles, and conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these gentle creatures and their eggs.
The heavy foot traffic and the presence of numerous vendors selling food and beverages contribute to the accumulation of waste on Kuta Beach. Additionally, ocean currents bring in more debris, compounding the problem. This waste not only mars the picturesque landscape but also poses serious threats to the sea turtles and other marine life.
The cleanup highlighted the pressing need for ongoing environmental stewardship. Our volunteers’ efforts not only rid the beach of litter but also emphasized the broader challenge of ocean pollution. Each piece of trash collected represents a step towards fostering a culture of environmental consciousness.
By preserving the natural beauty and ecological significance of Kuta Beach, we aim to ensure that it remains a cherished destination for both tourists and wildlife. The dedication and collaborative spirit of our volunteers are vital in driving the change needed to protect our oceans and beaches for future generations.
Waste Collection and Separation
With 37 participants and an hour of dedication, we successfully collected 247.75 kilograms of inorganic waste. Among the waste, hard plastic made up 13.7%, with colored plastic bottles being the most common type of hard plastic found, totaling 6.3 kilograms. Glass bottles constituted 21% of the waste, largely due to the many vendors selling beverages in various colored bottles such as green, brown, and clear.
Residue made up 45.9% of the total waste, a slight decrease from the previous month. We also found a significant number of slippers, weighing 42.6 kilograms, indicating Kuta’s high visitation rate as many people leave their sandals behind. This number is consistent with previous cleanups at Kuta, making it the beach where we find the most slippers compared to other beaches we cleaned in 2024. Soft plastic was not found in distinguishable quantities, as most of it was broken down and categorized as residue.
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