Image: SUPPLIED
A Mexican beer brand, which has recently launched on the South African market, spearheaded a beach clean-up in East London this week, together with other stakeholders in a bid to protect the ocean and environment from the toxic waste scattered along the coastline.
License to trade specialist at the West Bank depot, Tinumzi Lubelwana, said that the clean-up, held on Eastern Beach, was to mark World Environment Day on June 5 and World Ocean Day on June 8.
“The Corona Beach Clean-up was a drive to help make our beaches safer, cleaner and healthier for marine wildlife, while enjoying the company and camaraderie of our colleagues and stakeholders.
“Our global dream is to bring people together for a better world, and we each have an important part to play in realising our global dream by building the ideal company where all of our employees and brands help make a positive difference in society.
“Corona Extra is taking the lead in cleaning up our beaches as part of the Clean-Wave initiative, which is aimed to inspire individuals to protect the oceans for future generations and become ambassadors for change,” he said.
Institute of Waste Management of South Africa chairwoman, Nomakhwezi Nota, said she was impressed to see the liquor manufacturer playing a part.
“There is not enough work being done for the environment. Corporate companies are not coming to the party. Even when we host seminars and forums, they are poorly attended. But that will not deter us from raising awareness,” she said.
Nota said the beach was filled with lots of straws and plastic packets which are not biodegradable and very harmful to the marine life.
“Not enough awareness is being done about the serious implications of waste. Recently at one of the landfill sites in East London we also saw a 1989 newspaper from one of our layers, so you can imagine how much longer it takes plastic to biodegrade,” she said.
Environmental consultant from Enterprise Outsource House, Peter Smith, said there is a muchneeded cry for individuals and corporate companies to get involved.
“It was great to see SAB reeling in law firms like Drake Flemmer and Orsmond and some BCM officials also joining part of the clean-up,” he said.
Sustainable communication strategist at The PR Agency, Angel Barter said she was shocked at the amount of garbage on the Eastern Beach.
“It was shocking to see the amount of pollution we have on our shores and I’m happy to have seen such a large turnout for the clean-up, but we need to get more commitment throughout the year,” she said.