“LINIS DAGAT: FROM MICRO TO MACRO EFFECT OF COASTAL CLEANUP”
The world's coastlines are among the most important ecosystems, supporting rich biodiversity,
providing recreational opportunities and serving as economic centers. However, these precious coastal
areas have been threatened for decades by pollution, garbage and plastic waste. Coastal cleanups have
emerged as an effective grassroots response to this crisis, with profound effects on both the micro and
macro levels. This report examines the multiple impacts of coastal cleanup efforts, using multiple
sources to highlight the far-reaching implications of this major environmental initiative.
At the micro scale, coastal cleanups yield immediate and tangible benefits. Participants, often
volunteers from local communities, engage in the physical removal of trash and debris from shorelines.
The immediate impact is a cleaner, safer, and more aesthetically pleasing environment for both humans
and wildlife. According to a report by the Ocean Conservancy, marine debris, including plastics, can
entangle or be ingested by marine life, causing injuries and deaths. Coastal cleanups directly mitigate
these threats, preventing harm to individual organisms (Ocean Conservancy, 2020).
Moreover, the act of cleaning up beaches fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among
participants. As they witness the transformation of a litter-strewn shoreline into a pristine habitat,
individuals become more environmentally conscious and committed to reducing waste. This
psychological shift at the micro level contributes to the development of a global culture of
environmental stewardship. As individuals take action locally, they become more likely to support
broader conservation efforts and advocate for policy changes (Schmitt et al., 2019).
Moving up to the meso scale, coastal cleanups have significant regional impacts. Cleaner
shorelines can attract more tourists, enhancing local economies. A study published in the Journal of
Environmental Management found that coastal cleanup events in Florida led to a substantial increase in
tourist visits, resulting in a positive economic impact on nearby communities (Curtis et al., 2014). This
economic boost can be a powerful incentive for governments and communities to invest in ongoing
cleanup efforts.
Furthermore, coastal cleanups help protect valuable marine ecosystems that serve as nurseries
for various species of fish and other marine organisms. Healthy coastal environments support fisheries,
which are crucial for food security and livelihoods in many coastal communities. By removing debris and
plastic pollution, cleanups contribute to the preservation of these vital habitats and the sustenance of
fisheries (Barnes et al., 2009).
At the macro scale, the effects of coastal cleanups ripple through global ecosystems and
economies. The plastic waste removed during cleanups often originates from distant sources and can
traverse ocean currents, impacting ecosystems far from the point of origin. A study published in the
journal Science estimated that between 4.8 and 12.7 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean
annually, with the potential to cause extensive ecological damage (Jambeck et al., 2015). Coastal
cleanups, by intercepting this debris before it reaches the open ocean, prevent long-lasting harm to
marine life and habitats on a global scale.
Coastal cleanup initiatives also play a vital role in raising awareness about the plastic pollution
crisis, which has garnered increasing attention from governments, industries, and environmental
organizations worldwide. These efforts have resulted in legislative changes, such as bans on single-use
plastics and the implementation of extended producer responsibility programs in numerous countries.
Such policies have far-reaching consequences for the reduction of plastic waste and the protection of
marine environments (UN Environment, 2018).
In conclusion, coastal cleanups exemplify the power of local actions to produce effects that
resonate across micro to macro scales. They provide immediate benefits at the individual and
community levels, contribute to regional economies, protect vital coastal ecosystems, and exert
influence on global policies to combat plastic pollution. Through collective effort and continued
commitment, coastal cleanups offer a beacon of hope for the preservation of our coastlines and the
health of our oceans. It is imperative that we recognize and support these initiatives to ensure a
sustainable future for generations to come.
**References:**
1. Ocean Conservancy. (2020). International Coastal Cleanup Report. Retrieved from
https://oceanconservancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/International-Coastal-Cleanup-Report.pdf
2. Schmitt, C. L., et al. (2019). Changing patterns of volunteers and their motivations in the International
Coastal Cleanup in Florida from 2008 to 2016. Ocean & Coastal Management, 176, 10-19.
3. Curtis, K. R., et al. (2014). The economic impacts of beach litter on coastal communities in Florida.
Journal of Environmental Management, 139, 143-154.
4. Barnes, D. K. A., et al. (2009). Accumulation and fragmentation of plastic debris in global
environments. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 364(1526), 19851998.
5. Jambeck, J. R., et al. (2015). Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean. Science, 347(6223), 768771.
6. UN Environment. (2018). Single-use plastics: A roadmap for sustainability. Retrieved from
https://www.unenvironment.org/resources/report/single-use-plastics-roadmap-sustainability
International Coastal Cleanup Day is the world's largest volunteer event to remove trash from
beaches and waterways. It is organized by the Ocean Conservancy, a nonprofit environmental
organization. The first ICC was held in 1986 with just 4,000 volunteers in Texas. Since then, the event has
grown to involve over 100 million volunteers in more than 100 countries.