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Beach cleaners: People are dumping trash all over
“People are dumping trash all over the place.”
That’s how one group participating in the Beautify My Marianas program sees it, after doing several cleanups in separate locations around Saipan.
On April 11, 2015, Friends for Life picked up trash along a two-mile stretch from Oleai Beach to Sugar Dock in Susupe.
“We found our faces in gruesome trash…such as many beer cans and plates with leftover meals….plastic bottles, plastic bags, plastic forks, plastic spoons, foam plates, tissues, cardboard, soda cans, and juice boxes,” said the group in their post-cleanup report. “It’s making this place look filthy because people are dumping trash all over the place.”
Marianas Outrigger Club cleaned at Obyan Beach and Ladder Beach on April 12, 2015, as part of the Marianas Visitors Authority’s Beautify My Marianas program. (Contributed Photo)
Friends for Life cleaned from Oleai Beach to Sugar Dock on April 11, 2015, as part of the Marianas Visitors Authority’s Beautify My Marianas program. (Contributed Photo)
Friends for Life cleaned from Oleai Beach to Sugar Dock on April 11, 2015, as part of the Marianas Visitors Authority’s Beautify My Marianas program. (Contributed Photo)
The Beautify My Marianas program offers $100 for each 1-mile cleanup in assigned areas and is coordinated by the Marianas Visitors Authority.
Marians Outrigger Club cleaned at Obyan Beach and Ladder Beach on April 12, 2015.
The bulk of trash found at Ladder Beach was in the caves where people normally go for partying or bonfires, said the group in their report. “Surprisingly there wasn’t much trash. It pales in comparison to Sugar Dock and behind Aquarius [Beach Tower].”
“If we want visitors to think our islands are a special place to visit, we also need to act like it’s a special place,” said MVA Community Projects manager Martin Duenas. “Many beachgoers have good intentions and bag their trash, but stray dogs can come along and easily rip open those bags. We’re encouraging everyone to go the extra mile and ensure their trash bags are not left lying around. This is one of the best ways we can help end this trash problem, for all our sakes.”
For more information on Beautify My Marianas or an application, visit the MVA homepage at www.mymarianas.com. Groups must apply to participate and document their cleanup with a written report, list of participants, and photos. (MVA)
