Still cleaning our beaches, 30 tonnes of trash later

Malaysia boasts stunning coastlines, yet annually, an estimated 73,098 metric tonnes of plastic waste flows into the ocean, making the nation the world's third largest contributor of ocean plastic based on total mass. Amidst this environmental challenge, a Malaysian environmental advocacy group named 'MY Clean Beach' has emerged, dedicated to mitigating this growing problem.

Founded over eight years ago by Geeva Samynathan, the movement began as a personal passion, born out of their dismay upon witnessing the amount of trash strewn across beaches. Having started with just a few friends organizing beach clean-ups, 'MY Clean Beach' has since grown into an internationally recognized initiative, removing nearly 30,000 kilograms of waste from Malaysia's shores.

Today, the organization operates with a network of community volunteers, who generously donate their Saturdays to participate in clean-up events. Their work typically involves collaborating with corporate clients to conduct two to three hour-long CSR clean-ups across various locations in Malaysia. One of their most significant efforts to date saw them collect a staggering 1,200 kilograms of trash in a single session.

Upon gathering the waste, 'MY Clean Beach' employs a meticulous sorting process, categorizing the collected materials into glass, tin and metal, general waste, and plastic, among others. The team thoroughly documents their efforts, meticulously counting items like cigarette butts and straws, which constitute a significant portion of their collected waste.

Fishing nets, broken glass, and other potentially hazardous materials also frequently find their way into their collections, posing considerable risks to both humans and marine life.

With a firm commitment to zero-waste principles, 'MY Clean Beach' ensures that 100% of the collected waste is diverted from landfills and repurposed. To exemplify their dedication to sustainability, the team refrains from using conventional black plastic rubbish bags, opting instead for certified compostable alternatives. They also forgo the use of single-use latex and nitrile gloves, instead providing volunteers with washable fabric and rubber-coated work gloves.

Additionally, the organization is actively involved in tree-planting initiatives and educational programs, all aimed at promoting more responsible waste management practices.

Geeva, the driving force behind 'MY Clean Beach', envisions a future where Malaysians contribute more actively to combating the issue of indiscriminate trash disposal. While she acknowledges that awareness has grown and more volunteers have come forward in recent years, she emphasizes that beach clean-ups alone will not suffice in addressing the root of the problem.

"We clean the beach today, and the ocean washes up more trash the next day," she points out. Malaysia's love for picnics and the occasional forgetfulness to bring a plastic bag to wrap up trash further complicates the situation. However, Geeva remains optimistic, believing that a significant behavior shift is still needed to make a lasting impact on the issue.