Beach clean-ups got underway on one of Scotland’s most remote islands as volunteers battle the growing problem of tackle plastic pollution in the oceans.
Project One Wave – a team of conservationists, environmental activists and artists – returned to Wee Cumbrae to clear waste from its shores.
Despite seeing few visitors, the North Ayrshire island’s beaches continue to attract vast amounts of litter from water bottles to milk containers and other marine waste washed in by the tide.
Wee Cumbrae and its surrounding waters are home to an abundance of wildlife, but conservationists warn animals are under threat due to plastic pollution.
Bradley ClarkeAmong those taking part were YouTube creators and recyclers Matt Browning and Jonny Browning, who transform plastic into new products at their Brothers Make workshop in Bournemouth.
The pair joined 22 other volunteers, united by concerns about the impact rubbish has on Scotland’s coastline who hope to upcycle plastic waste.
“We try and take plastic with us to hopefully recycle something into something new, give it a new life and make it useful again,” Matt told STV News.
“On this island we’ve seen a lot of dead animals and birds. What tends to happen is animals and fish find microplastics. Over time, plastics break down very slowly, shedding into microplastics which many animals mistake as food.
“Different animals see different colours and they can view red as meat. We’ve found fish and animals’ skeletons and their stomachs are full of plastics.”
STV NewsWhile recycling is important, the pair say reducing plastic use remains the most effective solution.
Jonny said: “There’s going to be this huge mountain of plastic we’ll never be able to tackle ourselves. Every single bit of plastic ever made is still here.
“We won’t recycle our way out of the problem. We’re trying to intercept it before it gets to that stage. Reduce, reuse, recycle – in that order, for that reason.”
Also part of the group is an internationally renowned classical composer, Johanna Doderer, whose latest symphony focuses on the environmental impact of plastic pollution.
STV News
STV NewsShe says she is donating some proceeds from her work to support organisations involved in protecting the oceans.
“There are some animals who think plastic is food and eat it. It’s a really horrible, dramatic situation in our seas,” she said.
“I think the education we have and every small step we do matters. If we can do something, we have to do it.
“Feeling is very important in music because it can open a door into another world. Music can help help wake people up to what’s going on.
“Many people around me say they can’t do anything because the problem is too big. But if you can meet one person and tell them what’s happening, that is enough.”
Adobe StockProject One Wave campaign coordinator David Brown says they hope to protect the seal population and nesting birds on the island from beach waste.
“Some areas we cleaned had birds nesting next to crisp bags and aluminium cans,” he said. Seals can also ingest small plastics in the water. We want to keep plastic from the shoreline so it doesn’t end up back in the water.
“We’re trying engage in marine conservation, but with a really artistic edge. When we get the artists involved, something can be done on the reuse of the material we collect.
“It’s a united movement to highlight the problem of plastic pollution.”
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