Carrickfergus, we have a beach litter problem!
30 July 2011
The Marine Conservation Society Volunteers were horrified to find 51 wet wipes at their latest beach clean at the Marine Highway in Carrickfergus.
In total the group surveyed and removed 794 litter items from the beach, including the usual flurry of cardboard fast-food boxes, drinks cups, serviettes and plastic cutlery at Fisherman's Quay, which are not left behind by accident! Other more unusual items included a plastic dog collar, two inhalers, a rusty bicycle and the head of a vacuum cleaner.
What was most startling was the amount of sewage-related-waste found by the volunteers. The most common item were wet wipes - a startling 51 were found in the small area around Fisherman's Quay. Cotton bud sticks came in second place, closely followed by tampon applicators and sanitary towels! Amanda Wilson, the volunteer organiser said, "It's clear that many people don't realise the damage they are doing to our coastline. Wet wipes and other plastic items should never be flushed down the toilet. If you don't believe us, pop a wet wipe into a jar of water and give it a good shake - it doesn't dissolve. These wipes can also block your household sewerage systems, costing up to £250 to rectify". The Marine Conservation Society is supporting the nationwide 'Bag it, Bin it' campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the problems caused by flushing anything other than the 3 Ps - poo, pee and paper!
The Marine Conservation Society Volunteers are currently gearing up for Beachwatch Big Weekend, a UK-wide litter survey and beach clean happening from 16-19th September. With 23 beach cleans happening in Northern Ireland during the Big Weekend, there are plenty to choose from! To get involved with future beach cleans, please contact Amanda at manda_wilson@hotmail.co.uk
