GERF decides to clean one of the islands in Dar es Salaam, Mbudya Island, It conducts a beach clean up followed by a waste segregation to assess the predominat types of waste entering our oceans. It is disheartening to note that the waste collected was primarily generated over a week, underscoring the urgency of the issue. Among other items retrieved, plastics bottles accounted for 85%, Foam pieces 80%, Flipflops/shoes 52% and Glass bottles 21%.
Through comprehensive waste and brand audits , we highlited the critical need for enhanced public awareness regarding the detrimental impact of marine pollution on our ecosystems. The alarming reality is that the marine life suffers directly from this toxic and huge amount of waste, posing a significant risk not only to the biodiversity but also to the human health through the cosumption of contaminated seafood.
Central to address this crisis is environmental education and fostering a deeper understanding of waste management practices. Ignoring this issue is not an option; failure to act decisively jeopidizes the well-being of future generations. We must collectively commit to proactive measures aimed at preserving our oceans and safeguarding the interconnected web of life they support.