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It is great to hear that local companies like Seasalt are getting involved in the Adopt-a-Beach and Beachwatch schemes. Run by Marine Conservation Society (MCS), these campaigns are raising awareness about a litter problem that stretches far beyond the nearest tide line. Thousands of volunteers take part every year, getting involved in beach cleans and litter surveys, helping to identify the sources of problems and in turn assisting the MCS to tackle pollution head on.

There are some alarming statistics proving that rubbish is not only a blot on our beautiful beaches but also has a massive global impact. According to the UN, on average, there are 46,000 pieces of plastic litter per square mile of ocean worldwide. A vast figure which has enormous repercussions for marine wildlife. In fact, it is estimated that over a million birds and 100,000 marine mammals and turtles die every year from entanglement, or ingestion of plastics.

 Above: Seasalt's spring clean of Castle Beach in Falmouth

Pollution of the sea takes many forms: toxic chemicals, sewage, crude oil, radioactive waste, agricultural fertilisers, shipping debris, etc. But it is the millions of tonnes of litter threatening our seas and shoreline that we can all individually do something about.

Beachwatch surveys run by MCS show that cigarette stubbs, glass bottles, cans and wrappers contributed a massive 30-49% of litter and with tourist hot spots being the worst offenders, the proof is clearly in the collecting.

So, why should we be more attentive and less careless about the litter we leave?

Our coastal ecosystems are fragile environments. From tiny microscopic organisms through to the very largest animals such as whales and turtles, even the most remote and uninhabited sites are affected by litter carried by the wind and ocean currents. By having such a negative impact on these habitats we are contributing to constant environmental damage. Food chains are contaminated and species endangered.

It also has a reciprocal effect: Litter not only affects the organisms that live in the sea, but every one of us; it can be a health hazard and have economic impacts on tourism and the fishing industry. What we throw away we tend to forget about but in the end we all pay the price as many millions of pounds are spent annually on clean-up and disposal.

In the UK, we are so lucky; we have a unique and stunning coastline, but it could be ruined by our carelessness. By being more thoughtful and vigilant, we can act together to keep our planet blue and our coast clean.

Miranda Krestovnikoff

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