Every year 100,000 sea animals are killed due to plastics in our oceans.
Ocean litter is primarily made of plastics. About 60%-80% of all ocean litter is plastic. The plastic that is most commonly found in the oceans are fishing gear, plastic bottles and plastic bags that enter the ocean due to human actions.
Marine debris, another name for ocean litter, is posing a large threat because it is killing thousands of sea animals and decreasing biodiversity.
The largest land source of marine debris is urban runoff. Urban runoff is litter that travels from urban areas into the oceans through storm drains, by wind, or intentional dumping. Urban runoff consists of 43% plastic bags and trace amounts of other materials such as metal, paper, Styrofoam, cloth and wood.
Humans are now directly affecting the lives of thousands of sea animals by inaccurately disposing of plastic and other ocean litter.What can be done?
September 19 is celebrated as International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) Day. At last year’s Cleanup, nearly 400,000 volunteers collected more than 6.8 million pounds of trash in 104 countries and 42 US states — the largest volunteer effort of its kind.
For this years’ coastal clean-up month, CCE Foundation is encouraging people especially from urban areas to do their share of reducing ocean litter. In promoting this year’s theme: “Saving Philippine Reefs from Trash”, CCE Foundation is doing something different so the message will reach people from all walks of life.
What are the major activities?
The 1st Coastal Adventure Challenge from Lapu-Lapu Shrine to Parkmall, Mandaue. An adventure race that gives emphasis on the value of our coastal environment. It is an 8-hour race starting at Lapulapu Shrine and ending in Mandaue (Park Mall).
Cebuanos Saving the Coasts
While the race is on-going, there will be all-day activities at the Park Mall fountain area:
1. Mini adventure race course for families and kids activity corner
2. Exhibit of CCEF and other organizations along with concession booths
3. Whole day live coverage by Monster radio with DJ/host
4. Graffiti wall calling for support to the BE A COASTAL WARRIOR campaign.
“Trash” Party
The culminating event is the “Trash Party” starting 7pm at the Parkmall fountain area. There will be 6 live bands playing. The entrance fee will be on a modified arrangement that includes exchange of trash for free entry and/or paying a P20 entrance fee with a pledge to plant a mangrove seedling.
Mangrove Planting
On September 13, Sunday, a mangrove planting activity will be undertaken at Bacsije, Carcar, Cebu. Assembly area will be at Parkmall, Mandaue City at 7:00am. Buses will be provided for those willing to join us. Mangrove seedlings will be available at P10 each.
CCEF Exhibit
There will be an exhibit about CCE Foundation and its programs at Parkmall, Mandaue City from September 11-17, 2009. This is aimed at educating the public about basic coastal ecosystems, the various threats and issues, and the many ways to be involved in marine conservation.
If you are interested to participate, please do inform us and contact 416 2040, look for Kenneth Sotto.
Kenneth L. Sotto
Training/Information, Education
& Communications Assistant
CCE FOUNDATION, INC.
www.coast.ph
mobile +63 91575 89555 | +63 92345 05480
telefax +63 32 233 6909 | +63 32 233 6891
