Voluntarily collecting garbage on vacation? That certainly sounds a little unusual at first. After all, most of us are probably sunbathing on a beach lounger with a good book in our hands. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that. But if you fancy trying something new for a change, a little litter-picking while you're traveling is one of the biggest ways to save money. Environmental problems of our time combat.
In this article, I would therefore like to give you 10 good reasons to collect garbage on your next vacation.
Why is collecting garbage on vacation necessary at all?
Every day, thousands of people show an incredible, passionate commitment to clearing litter from our natural environment, which is also entirely man-made. Every year, garbage is responsible for the deaths of a million seabirds and over 135,000 marine mammals₁. Because an essential Plastic disadvantage is that the material not biodegradable is. The animals eat our garbage and use it in agony. Over the decades and centuries, pieces of plastic decompose into small Microplastics. Fish eat this mini plastic, the Plastic ends up in the food chain and finally back on our plate.
Of course, you can simply say that waste in other countries is none of our business. But In 2015, around 13.65% of our plastic waste was actually shipped from Germany to countries such as China, India and Malaysia.₂ countries that already have a garbage problem anyway. Collecting garbage on foreign beaches is therefore a small form of compensation in its own way.
10 good reasons for collecting waste on vacation
Collecting garbage on vacation abroad is really cool. Below I would like to show you why. Here are my personal reasons for simply collecting a bit of garbage when traveling on vacation.
1. collect karma points at the same time as the garbage
Even small waste collection campaigns can save you valuable Grab karma points for the future. Because you do something good with it - and something that not everyone would do. Whether as an organizer or participant in an existing CleanUp - collecting garbage on vacation will definitely make you go to bed in the evening feeling really good.
2. 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 has always been avoided because of the garbage. After collecting garbage, you can end the day there in a relaxed manner and enjoy the wonderful feeling of having done something for this beautiful view. This is also one of the reasons why Before and after pictures of clean-up campaigns can be shared so wonderfully on the Internet to enlighten even more people.
Tip: Just come to our worldwide CleanUp group on Facebook. There you can share and find events as well as post pictures of your activities.
3. first do good, then relax
If you collect a bit of garbage while traveling, it doesn't detract from the main reason for your vacation at all. After all, the campaign is quickly organized, started and over. If you are initiating your Beach CleanUp yourself, then you should Have waste collected by a recycling organization or hand it in to a friendly restaurant owner nearby.
After collecting your garbage, you can lie down on your beach lounger, relaxed and proud. You've earned it.
4. collecting garbage away from the crowded tourist attractions
Personally, I've long since stopped being a fan of running after a country's most beautiful sights with huge groups of tourists. It's neither relaxing nor particularly fun. You're not alone when you go litter picking either, but you're still among like-minded people who definitely appreciate our nature. By going litter-picking on vacation, you escape the mainstream and can simply have fun. Do something that not everyone would do.
5. get to know unique people while collecting garbage
I am always impressed by how many wonderful people with the same values you meet while collecting garbage on the beach. It's also not surprising that there are Like-minded are - after all, you also want to Plastic waste in the environment counteract.
I am still in close contact with many of the participants today. So a CleanUp on vacation can also be a great way to make long-term Friendships arise. Above all, however, this is a great way to get in touch with the local people.
Tip: If you ever find yourself in Bali, you can meet John Hardy, the founder of the Green School, for example, as he goes about his daily work. Trash Walks support. There you get a spear in your hand and can go hunting for plastic waste. (like in the picture)
6. collect waste and educate local people
Many people say that collecting garbage on vacation is just a drop in the ocean and that it won't change anything anyway. I see it a little differently. Of course, a beach won't be as clean as you left it after a short time. But all participants and observers are informed by your action - and in my experience, they will continue to launch 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 millions of people in a very short time.
7. canoeing, diving or walking on the beach
The great thing about collecting garbage on vacation is that you can do it in different ways. Whether on foot on the beach, in a canoe from a boat rental company or underwater in diving gear. Plastic waste is basically everywhere and we all know that Surf and diving schools as well as Boat rentals on site at your destination. Just ask there whether there are any promotions planned for the next few days.
8. reap positive feedback for your action
A few pats on the back certainly can't hurt. In any case, you will only get Encouragement for your actions get. No matter whether you take the initiative yourself or join an existing waste collection campaign. Some people will think that something like this isn't really necessary. But either way, it gives you the satisfying feeling of having done something good.
9. littered beaches are a dime a dozen
Nowadays, in my experience, it is more difficult to find a really clean beach than a beach full of plastic waste. Especially Countries in Southeast Asia have a real plastic problem. A lack of disposal options, ignorance and convenience are the main causes for the Waste problem. But basically you can go litter picking in any country. All the more reason to start a CleanUp during your vacation.
10. a CleanUp is quickly organized
Basically you only need a few Gloves and a Jute bag or a Plastic bag. Then you can start collecting garbage on your vacation. In the separate article called Organize your own Beach CleanUp you can find out how to proceed in more detail.
But it also works without your own initiative! Use the following map with the organizers from our worldwide Beach CleanUp Group on Facebookto support great people at your destination. At worldwide Beach CleanUps you can also enter new organizers that you have met.
Collecting garbage on vacation is cool!
There is certainly always the odd puzzled look when tourists suddenly clean up the beaches abroad. However, collecting garbage has become a real trend. This is because such campaigns spread hope and pride - and at the same time educate people in other countries about the problem of plastic waste.
Until finally no more waste ends up in the environment, we have to go through our Zero Waste Lifestyle do a bit more educational work.
Do you have any questions, tips or your own experiences with collecting garbage on vacation that you would like to share? Then please leave a comment.
Have fun with your cleanup and have a nice vacation,
PS.: Feel free to look around a bit in the Plastic free blog and let yourself be guided to the best plastic free life inspire. You are also welcome to check out my Plastic-free book for beginners that will give you even more detailed insights.
References:
₁ NABU - Naturschutzbund Deutschland e.V.: Plastic waste and its consequences. https://www.nabu.de/natur-und-landschaft/meere/muellkippe-meer/muellkippemeer.html. [27.08.2019].
₂ Maak, S.; Bündnis 90/Die Grünen: Deutschland ist nicht Recyclingweltmeister (Status: 18.01.2019). https://www.gruene-bundestag.de/themen/umwelt/deutschland-ist-nicht-recyclingweltmeister. [27.08.2019].
