Bronte Wells
Plastic pollution on beaches is a pressing issue, with plastic waste affecting wildlife, ecosystems, and the local economy. While it is a global problem, some beaches are more affected than others. Kamilo Beach in Hawaii, for example, has earned the nickname Plastic Beach due to the high levels of plastic pollution that have accumulated over the years. Other notoriously polluted beaches include Henderson Island in the South Pacific, Cheung Sha Beach in Hong Kong, and Juhu Beach in Mumbai. The Philippines, a significant contributor to ocean plastic pollution, faces issues with plastic packaging pollution on beaches near downtown Manila. Improving waste management strategies and reducing plastic production are crucial steps in tackling this issue.
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What You'll Learn
Kamilo Beach, Hawaii
Kamilo Beach, located on the southeast coast of Hawaii's Big Island, has become known as "Plastic Beach" and is one of the world's dirtiest beaches. Hawaii is situated in the Pacific Ocean, east of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and as a result, its shoreline, including Kamilo Beach, catches plastic from across the world, some of it decades old.
The beach's accumulation of plastic waste is due in part to its inaccessibility, with no paved roads leading to it. The plastic pollution at Kamilo Beach has been building up for decades, with the first clean-up occurring in 2003, led by Bill Gilmartin, the founder of the Hawaii Wildlife Fund. Over three days, Gilmartin and his team removed more than 50 tons of marine debris, including piles of plastic up to 10 feet high. While regular clean-ups have been organised since then, an estimated 15 to 20 tons of plastic trash continue to wash up annually on the 0.6-mile stretch of beach.
The plastic waste that ends up on Kamilo Beach comes from as far away as Japan and Russia and is a result of the beach's proximity to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The Garbage Patch continuously dumps trash from around the world onto Kamilo's shores. In addition to plastic pollution, Kamilo Beach also has issues with lead poisoning in the sand and soil, as well as industrial waste flowing into the nearby rivers.
The plastic pollution at Kamilo Beach has had a significant impact on the local environment and wildlife. Plastic fragments can kill endangered species, and the ingestion of plastic by marine animals can cause gut obstructions and expose them to toxic chemicals. In addition, plastic pollution can deter tourists, harming the local economy. The Hawaii Wildlife Fund and other groups have led multiple community-based clean-up efforts in recent years, but the battle against plastic pollution at Kamilo Beach and other beaches in Hawaii is ongoing.
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Haina Beach, Dominican Republic
Haina Beach in the Dominican Republic is commonly referred to as the "Dominican Chernobyl", a reference to the high levels of lead poisoning found in the area. The contamination is believed to have been caused by the nearby Baterías Meteoro, an automobile battery recycling smelter. The company has since moved to a new site, but the contamination remains, with lead continuing to seep into Haina's soil, water, and food supplies. In addition to lead, the area also emits high quantities of formaldehyde, ammonium, and sulfuric acid from its manufacturing plants, power plants, and oil refineries.
Haina's plastic pollution is part of a broader issue of waste management in the Dominican Republic. The country's rapid economic growth has led to increased industrial activity and waste production, which has outpaced the development of proper waste disposal methods. This has resulted in plastic pollution on beaches, rivers, and other natural environments.
The issue of plastic pollution on Haina Beach is further exacerbated by tourism. Travellers and holidaymakers often leave the beach littered with plastic waste and other types of rubbish. While the Dominican Republic is known for its beautiful beaches and natural attractions, Haina Beach stands out as an exception due to its severe pollution.
Efforts have been made to address the pollution at Haina Beach. In 2008, the Blacksmith Institute coordinated the removal of over 6,000 cubic meters of contaminated soil from the site, which was turned into a local park. Following the cleanup and community education campaigns, blood lead levels in Haina significantly dropped to acceptable levels. More recently, American YouTubers MrBeast and Mark Rober travelled to Haina Beach as part of the Team Seas project to help clean up the trash and promote cleaner ways of disposing of waste.
Despite these efforts, Haina Beach continues to be affected by plastic pollution, reflecting the broader challenge of plastic pollution faced by beaches around the world.
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$19.1
Beach near downtown Manila, Philippines
Plastic pollution on beaches is a pressing issue, severely affecting wildlife and the ocean, as well as the livelihoods of locals. One of the beaches worst affected by plastic pollution is Kamilo Beach on Hawaii's Big Island. It is located near the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which continuously dumps trash from across the world onto its shores.
Another beach with severe plastic pollution is Haina Beach in the Dominican Republic. This beach is known not only for its plastic pollution but also for lead poisoning in the sand and soil, as well as industrial waste flowing into the rivers.
When it comes to the beach near downtown Manila, Philippines, the situation is equally dire. The Philippines is the third largest contributor to plastic pollution in the oceans, and the beach near downtown Manila is heavily affected by this issue. The primary source of plastic pollution on this beach comes from plastic packaging, specifically small sachets containing food and personal care products. This issue is prevalent in low-income countries, where people often cannot afford larger portions, and small plastic packages are made affordable and easily accessible. Nestle and Unilever have been identified as major contributors to the plastic packaging waste found on this beach.
The high density of human settlements near coastal areas and rivers in the Philippines further exacerbates the problem. Rivers in the Philippines emit a significant amount of plastic waste into the ocean, and the Pasig River in Metro Manila is a top contributor to marine plastic waste. The single-use plastic culture in the Philippines, driven by the "Tingi Culture" of buying products in small quantities, has led to an extensive dependence on disposable plastics. This has resulted in a high volume of plastic waste, much of which is challenging to recycle or non-recyclable, ultimately ending up in the ocean and on beaches.
The plastic pollution on the beach near downtown Manila has had detrimental effects on the environment and local industries. It has impacted the tourism industry, as the scattered garbage can spoil the scenic beauty of the area. Additionally, fishermen in the Philippines have reported catching more plastic than fish on some days, highlighting the direct impact on their livelihoods.
To address this issue, there have been efforts to construct recycling facilities, promote the use of reusable containers, and develop more sustainable packaging alternatives. However, more comprehensive solutions are needed to tackle the plastic pollution crisis in the Philippines and protect the environment and the well-being of those affected.
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Henderson Island, South Pacific
Henderson Island, a remote island in the South Pacific, has the highest density of plastic pollution in the world. Located in a protected marine area, Henderson Island's beaches were awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1988. However, an estimated 37.7 million pieces of plastic litter the island, with an average of 671 items per square meter. The plastic pollution on Henderson Island is primarily caused by the South Pacific Gyre Ocean current, which carries debris from South America and deposits it on the island's shores. The global fishing industry is also a significant contributor to the plastic waste on the island, with items such as buoys and fish aggregation devices washing ashore.
The impact of plastic pollution on Henderson Island is devastating for the local wildlife. Plastic waste poses a danger to birds, crabs, and sea life, and the microplastics that form part of the sand are likely poisoning the marine life in the surrounding waters. In an effort to address the issue, expeditions have been organized to clean up the island and collect data on plastic density and its effects on the local ecosystem. However, the clean-up efforts are challenging due to the remote location and the constant influx of new debris.
In June 2019, a team spent two weeks collecting six tons of rubbish, but most of the pollution is hidden, disintegrating on the shoreline, with an estimated 2,000 tiny items per square meter. The team also worked to gather scientific data and photograph the pollution before cleaning up the beaches. The plastic removed from the island was converted into a substitute for aggregate in concrete, used to create pathways and tourist trails on Pitcairn Island.
The situation on Henderson Island serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address plastic pollution in our oceans and change global supply chains. Despite its isolation, Henderson Island's pristine beaches are not immune to the impacts of human activity. The plastic pollution on the island is a wake-up call for the world to take action and work towards a more sustainable future.
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Cheung Sha Beach, Hong Kong
Plastic pollution on beaches is a pressing issue that affects wildlife, ocean life, and local communities. While plastic pollution is a global issue, with plastic waste found on beaches from Hawaii to the Philippines, some beaches are particularly notorious for the severity of plastic pollution.
Cheung Sha Beach in Hong Kong is one such beach that has struggled with plastic pollution. Located on Lantau Island, Cheung Sha Beach is known for its subtropical charm and gentle surf, attracting both locals and tourists alike. However, in recent years, the beach has been plagued by plastic pollution, with visitors expressing disappointment and concern over the amount of plastic waste in the water.
Tripadvisor reviews from 2022 to 2023 describe the beach as "dirty, water full of plastic, disgusting - do not go!" One reviewer, a frequent visitor since 2002, notes the degradation of the beach's natural beauty due to plastic pollution, urging others to enjoy the beach before further development impacts the area. The reviewer also highlights the potential health risks, mentioning the absence of anti-venom serum for snake bites at the nearest emergency services centre.
Plastic pollution on Cheung Sha Beach is not an isolated incident in Hong Kong. The city's beaches are often strewn with trash, especially after heavy rainfall, which washes debris onto the shorelines. Clean-up operations led by NGOs, residents, and lifeguards have been ongoing, but the task is challenging due to the vast coastline and the involvement of multiple government departments in managing different beach areas.
To address plastic pollution effectively, experts like Dana Winograd from NGO Plastic Free Seas emphasize the importance of preventing plastic from entering the ocean in the first place. This includes reducing single-use plastic and banning polystyrene food containers. While Hong Kong has implemented measures such as banning plastic bags and polystyrene containers, more comprehensive action is needed to tackle the plastic pollution issue affecting Cheung Sha Beach and other coastal areas in the region.
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Frequently asked questions
Kamilo Beach in Hawaii is known as 'Plastic Beach' and is considered one of the dirtiest beaches in the world.
The main cause of plastic pollution on beaches is improper waste management, which is more common in low-to-middle-income countries.
The Philippines is the third largest contributor to plastic pollution in the ocean, with plastic packaging from small sachets of food and personal care products being the primary pollutant.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a high-pressure area located in the North Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and California that traps ocean debris. It is considered the most polluted of the five oceanic garbage patches.
