courtesy of: The Morning News
written by: Rosalie Klein
Aruba’s pristine shoreline got a hefty helping hand in staying that way this past Saturday morning, November 12, when nearly 1000 volunteers took to the beaches for the 10th anniversary edition of the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association Environmental Committee Coastal Zone Clean-up.
Keeping Aruba’s beaches clean is a 365 day job, the responsibility of each individual who enjoys the island’s premier assets, unfortunately, too many are not quite as conscientious as they should be, or perhaps down-right offenders, leaving unwanted mementoes of their visit.
Fortunately, a number of island organizations stage clean-ups throughout the year, and the AHATA Environmental Coastal Zone Clean-up has grown to include a substantial number; the areas that were policed included: Rodger's Beach - Santana di Bestia - Baby Beach - Bachelor’s Beach - Boca Grandi – Grapefield – Zeewijk - Mangel Halto - Santo Largo - Bushiri up to Tamarijn - Costa Linda and Bucuti - Eagle Beach - Amsterdam Manor up to Divi Phoenix - Fisherman Hut - Boca Catalina and surroundings – Arashi - California Dunes – Lighthouse - Boca Druif – Wariruri - Old Natural Bridge - Boca Prins - Boca di Tortuga and Dos Playa.
A contingent of over 20 students from the University of Aruba, under the supervision of University Proctor John Wardlaw, were caught in action around Eagle Beach just north of Costa Linda Beach Resort making quick work of the refuse left behind, proud to be a part of this community effort.
The Coastal Zone Clean-up note only gets the job done for a day, but is a reminder to take care not to litter. While on the beach it is also advised to be cautious of Styrofoam and plastic cups and take-away containers in particular, as these can be blown into the sea by Aruba’s ever present winds, and they are extremely hazardous to marine life, turtles in particular, which often choke on them when mistaking them for a favorite food, jellyfish.
