Travelling to pick up litter may seem unappealing at first glance; however, for eco-conscious globetrotters eager to make a positive impact on the destinations they visit, participating in a beach clean during their trip can be a rewarding experience. This offers a volunteering opportunity that sidesteps the pitfalls of ‘voluntourism’ schemes while also allowing you to connect with like-minded locals. Perhaps this isn’t such a rubbish idea after all?
Here are six fantastic travel destinations around the world—ranging from Bali to Barcelona—where beach cleanup initiatives are welcoming tourists, alongside some suggestions on how to unwind afterward. After all, you are on holiday.
Mumbai, India
Mumbai, a vibrant amalgamation of skyscrapers and culture, is an exciting place to spend time. The city is known for its fantastic food scene and bustling energy. However, like many cities globally, it faces waste management challenges, especially during the monsoon season when rubbish washes onto the beaches. Thankfully, various community-led task forces and government agencies have been established to combat this problem.
Visitors can contribute by joining one of the regular cleanups of Versova Beach or by becoming an honorary Beach Warrior during weekend litter picks on city beaches.
The pick-me-up: Mumbai is Bollywood’s home, with over 120 movie theatres. Enjoy a few hours of entertainment by watching a blockbuster or classic Hindi film in one of the city’s atmospheric cinemas.
Ko Phi-Phi, Thailand
Famed for its stunning beaches and energetic Full Moon Parties, Thailand has earned a reputation among backpackers for decades. However, mass tourism has left its mark, particularly affecting locations like the Phi-Phi archipelago. In 2018, the iconic Maya Bay was closed to visitors due to pollution issues.
Fortunately, a new breed of travelers is keen to make a difference. Organizations such as Trash Hero lead popular and social weekly beach cleans across Phi-Phi Don and other parts of Thailand. Check their website for more details.
The pick-me-up: Treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage to soothe any aches from cleaning. Various parlors in Phi Phi Don offer relaxing treatment options.
Cornwall, England
Cornwall, known for its picturesque coastlines and charming villages, also faces challenges with litter along its beaches. Organizing regular cleanup operations across the English county, Clean Cornwall invites anyone to join in making a difference.
The pick-me-up: Celebrate your efforts with a Cornish cream tea, featuring a delicious scone and a pot of tea—just make sure to spread the jam first before adding clotted cream to avoid local frowns!
Barcelona, Spain
Tourism has become an intricate issue in Barcelona, but there are ways to help alleviate overtourism during your visit. Volunteer efforts play a crucial role in creating a positive perception among locals, especially through beach cleanups.
The Clean Beach Initiative organizes cleanup operations every Saturday along the sands of Platja de la Barceloneta, uniting volunteers in a shared mission.
The pick-me-up: Indulge in Barcelona’s renowned food scene post-cleanup. Try the Michelin-starred restaurant Disfrutar or enjoy traditional tapas at Bormuth.
Hong Kong
The bustling metropolis of Hong Kong presents a juxtaposition of urban life and spectacular natural landscapes. However, with a population of 7.4 million, waste management is a significant challenge, often resulting in litter on beaches.
Dedicated volunteer organizations welcome tourists to assist in protecting the region’s delicate ecosystem. For instance, Plastic Free Seas conducts regular beach cleans on Lantau Island, while The First Penguins brings a fun twist to the cleanup effort with costumed events.
The pick-me-up: After your efforts, enjoy time in the water, taking advantage of Hong Kong’s surf schools like HK Waterman.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is synonymous with spirituality and wellness, yet it suffers from significant plastic pollution on its famous beaches. Particularly in popular areas like Kuta, the litter crisis poses a threat to marine ecosystems.
After experiencing Bali’s rich culture, consider lending a hand to those striving to maintain a clean coast. Trash Hero offers projects island-wide, and beachfront bar Old Man’s rewards participants with a complimentary beer for their help during cleanups.
The pick-me-up: Recharge through yoga, a popular activity in Bali. Classes are widely available, with reputable providers such as Intuitive Flow and Taksu Spa.
Other ways to help
If your next destination isn’t included in this list, consider that over 180 locations worldwide participate in the global initiative for litter cleanup as part of World Cleanup Day each September. If you’re eager to assist during your travels, reach out to local tourism authorities about getting involved, or even initiate your own cleanup project.
While significant industry changes are necessary to tackle ocean waste, volunteering for a litter pickup certainly makes a difference. Engaging in such initiatives can influence our future behavior and encourage more mindful consumption habits. Remember, being a responsible traveler can also support the destinations you visit by minimizing plastic use and adhering to sustainable practices.
