Voluntarily collecting garbage on vacation? That certainly sounds a little unusual at first. After all, most of us would surely prefer to soak up the sun on a lounger on the beach with a good book in our hands. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that!
But if you fancy trying out something new and good deeds can be accomplished while traveling through small or large waste collection campaigns. Environmental problems of our time fight.
In this article, I would like to share with you my most personally motivating reasons for collecting waste on my vacation. You'll also find out why this is necessary and, finally, where CleanUps take place and how you can start one yourself. Let's go!
Whether on vacation or in everyday life: Why do we collect waste at all these days?
Every day, thousands of people show an incredible, passionate commitment to clearing the garbage from our natural environment, which is also entirely man-made. But Why is our plastic waste lying around on all beaches and natural landscapes?
The decisive Plastic disadvantage is that the material not biodegradable is. This means that the plastic does not decompose, or only very slowly over the course of decades and centuries, into tiny Microplastics. Fish eat this mini-plastic, Plastic gets into the food chain and finally back on our plate.
But the main problem is our Dealing with plastic - especially the Litteringthe deliberate leaving of waste in the environment. In addition, in 2022, for example, over 10 percent of plastic waste from Germany exported to countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia.1
These are countries that No sophisticated waste disposal system and deposit the garbage. Collecting garbage on foreign beaches is therefore also a small form of reparation in its own way.
11 reasons: Why should you collect trash on vacation?
Whether on German beaches or on vacation abroad: Collecting garbage is just really cool. Cool for the heart, cool for self-confidence, cool for the environment and cool for the sustainable development of our global society!
In the following, I would like to show you why I think so. Here are my personal reasons for simply collecting a bit of garbage while traveling. And I'm sure you'll share them all with me 🙂
Tip: By the way, I can warmly recommend this Backpack made from collected marine litter* recommend! The GotBag has served me faithfully for many years now.
1st reason: To save the lives of animals
Human waste in the environment is alone every year responsible for the deaths of one million seabirds and over 135,000 marine mammals.2
Animals such as whales, turtles, albatrosses and seagulls eat it and die from the many plastic pieces in their stomachs. Also entangle or strangle for example in fishing nets, plastic cords or six-pack rings. You do something about it with every CleanUp!
2 Reason: Collect karma points at the same time as the garbage
Whether as an organizer or participant in a CleanUp: even with small waste collection campaigns you can use your Improve karma. 🙂
Finally you are doing something good - and something that not everyone would do, but everyone still admires.
Reason 3: The beach suddenly shines in new splendor
It's just a great feeling to see the beach after a CleanUp. So clean! Almost like a small paradisethat until now could not be recognized as such because of the garbage.
This is also one reason why Cleanup before and after pictures can be shared so wonderfully on the Internet to enlighten even more people. And you can then also enjoy the wonderful feeling of having done something for the beautiful clean sight.
Tip: Just come to our worldwide CleanUp group on Facebook. There you can share and find events as well as provide pictures of your actions.
Reason 4: Do good first, then relax
If you collect some garbage while traveling, it doesn't detract from the main reason for your vacation at all. Because the action is both quickly organized and also over again.
If you initiate your Beach CleanUp yourself, you should use the It is best to have waste collected by a recycling organization or hand it in to friendly restaurant operators in the area who know their way around.
After collecting the garbage, you can then relaxed and proud on your beach lounger. You've earned it!
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Bottle brush16 € -
Large stainless steel drinking bottle25 € -
Oilcloths13 €
Reason 5: Collecting garbage away from the crowded tourist attractions
Personally, I'm no longer a fan of chasing after the most beautiful sights in a country with huge groups of tourists. That is Neither relaxing nor particularly fun.
You won't be alone on a litter pick, but you'll still be among like-minded people who definitely appreciate our natural world. By collecting garbage from time to time on your travels, you escape the boring mainstream and can simply do something that not everyone would do. This is usually how the best travel stories are created!
Reason 6: Getting to know unique people while collecting garbage
I am always impressed by how many wonderful People with the same values when collecting garbage on the beach or in the woods. On closer inspection, however, it is not surprising: after all, nobody likes the Plastic waste in the environment.
I am still in close contact with many of the participants today. So a CleanUp on vacation can also have long-term Friendships or relationships arise. Above all, however, this is a great way to get in touch with local people - and can immerse yourself in the culture of the destination country.
Tip: If you ever find yourself in Bali, you can meet John Hardy (pictured right), the founder of the Green School, during his daily work. Trash Walks support. There you get a spear in your hand and can literally go on the hunt for plastic waste.
Reason 7: Collecting waste and educating local people
Many people claim that collecting garbage on vacation is just a proverbial "drop in the ocean" and you wouldn't change anything anyway. I see things a little differently.
Of course, in just a few days a beach is no longer as clean as you left it after a CleanUp. But all participants and observers will be informed by your action.
And in my experience, they will also start their own CleanUps on site in the future. The You can also share pictures of your action on the Internet. Good deeds are always willingly shared and can reach and inspire millions of people in a very short time.
8th reason: Perform cleanups in different forms
The nice thing about collecting garbage on vacation is that you can do it in different ways. Whether on foot on the beach, by canoe from a boat rental company or in diving equipment under water.
Plastic waste is basically everywhere and we know that too Surf and diving schools as well as Boat rentals on site at your destination. Just ask there whether there are any activities planned in the next few days so that you can experience even more special clean-up campaigns.
Reason 9: Reap positive feedback for your campaign
A few well-deserved pats on the back certainly won't hurt anyone! In any case, you will most likely be able to Encouragement for your CleanUp commitment get
Regardless of whether you take the initiative yourself or join an existing waste collection campaign. Some people may think your commitment is superfluous. But either way you benefit guaranteed by the satisfying The happiness of having done something good.
Reason 10: Littered beaches are a dime a dozen
Nowadays, in my experience, it is unfortunately more difficult to find a really clean beach than to come across a beach full of plastic waste. It's especially easy when vacationing in Southeast Asian countries. Lack of disposal options, lack of education and possibly also Convenience are the main causes of the waste problem there.
But basically, you can really go litter picking in any country! All the more reason to start a CleanUp on your vacation, right? 😉
11th reason: A CleanUp is quickly organized
Basically you only need a few Gloves (is available here*) and a reusable Cloth bag, paper bag or Plastic bag (these*). If you take part in an organized CleanUp, you will be provided with these things.
Feel free to use the map below with the Organizers from our worldwide Beach CleanUp Group on Facebook, to support great people at your destination. At worldwide Beach CleanUps you can even add new organizers that you have met.
And then you can start collecting garbage on your vacation.
Tip: In the separate article on Beach CleanUp Organization you can also find out in detail how to proceed.
Why collect waste on vacation? To set an example!
So there really are Numerous motifs for taking a stand against waste in the environment while traveling.
Certainly there are always the one or other astonished lookwhen you, as a tourist, suddenly find yourself picking up garbage on a beach.
However, the term "CleanUp" is now known worldwide. Such clean-up campaigns spread Hope and pride - and at the same time encourage people to reflect on their own behavior.
"Good things that a person gives out into the world are never lost."
Albert Schweitzer (more at Good Deeds Quotes)
Until at some point no more waste ends up in the environment, we must continue to work through our Zero Waste Lifestyle and our commitment but still More educational work perform.
Do you have any questions, tips or do you know any other reasons for collecting garbage on vacation that you would like to share? Then please leave a comment.
Have fun with your cleanup and have a great vacation,
PS: Take a look at the Plastic free blog and get the best possible plastic free life inspire you. If you like, you can also take a look at my Book "Plastic-free for beginners "* which will give you even more detailed insights.
References:
- NABU - Naturschutzbund Deutschland e.V.: Export of plastic waste, available at https://www.nabu.de/umwelt-und-ressourcen/abfall-und-recycling/26205.html. [24.10.2024]. ↩︎
- NABU - Naturschutzbund Deutschland e.V.: Plastic waste and its consequences, available at https://www.nabu.de/natur-und-landschaft/meere/muellkippe-meer/muellkippemeer.html. [24.10.2024]. ↩︎
