Ocean Plastic Cleanup

There are worldwide efforts for ocean plastic cleanup and even a new plastic drinking straw ban in my home state. Maybe this recent news had me in a different mindset on a recent vacation even though I'm known to not be so fond of plastic.

I went to Beppu City - I've been there before and feel a connection with the city - like a home away from home. This time we stayed in the Kitahama area, which I have spent some time at before.

Instead of what I thought would be a morning meditation on "Beppu Spa Beach," I ended up doing 'cleaning meditation' the first morning.

The beach is covered in (lots of bamboo) driftwood and the sound of the empty beach in the morning was great for fresh air and alone time. The amount of trash at the beach got to me quickly though.

I wished I had a trash bag. I started to collect trash in plastic crates and buckets that were washed up along with everything else.

Antique glass blown buoys are so majestic compared with the washed up heaps of styrofoam I saw here. 

I found myself wondering if future generations would make crafts from “beach beads” instead of shells.

With vending machines and recycle bins at Matogahama Park less than 100 meters from the water, why were there so many recyclable bottles?

I even saw a coffee can a 30 second walk from one of these recycle bins. I can be lazy but this was just frustrating.

I feel a little better knowing Japan is one of few countries who incinerate garbage and have a good effort for recycling, but why is so much trash still on the beach? I know typhoon season washes up extra trash with higher tides than usual, but a lot of this was local and newer trash than that. I felt frustrated that I couldn't just enjoy my vacation and can't make a big difference on my own. 

This is my haul before I got burnt out.

I didn't even know what to do with all this plastic other than pull it to the road hoping the wind and waves won't get it onto the beach again. I have no idea if city workers ever pick up trash here. As is the norm in Japan, there aren't any trash cans at the beach. I did see a couple of bags of trash near the vending machines as if someone made the effort only that far and gave up on taking their garbage back home or to a hotel.

Without pointing any fingers, I want to ask all of you to be more mindful about a few things. There's no way I could clean up this small beach alone, and even if I could, it would be a mess again next week. What is going to make the biggest difference is lifestyle changes, no matter where you live.

Pet bottles can be replaced with “My Bottle” most of the time for daily use. I love my thermos (maho bin). When you need to buy a bottle those can also be refilled. I know some of you are disgusted by plain water, but it's good for you.

Be sure to responsibly recycle any bottles you buy and pack away any trash when you go out. Littering is something I didn't see too much in Japan at first, but I think it's cleaned up more quickly in cities.

Think before buying. Buy only what you love and need. Avoid excessive packaging and bring your own bag or furoshiki.

Let's make outdoor time more beautiful and enjoyable!