More than 107,000 Filipinos joined the 2014 International Coastal Cleanup


More than 107,000 Filipinos joined the 2014 International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) last September 20 & 27, 2014. Although total participation went down by 29% due to a weather disturbance, we are acknowledged as one of the top ten countries in the 2014 ICC. 

Cleanup volunteers poured in beaches, coasts, rivers, waterways and underwater seas from 29 provinces and 350 cleanup sites to participate in this symbolic event. Zambales was No. 1 among top ten provinces in terms of volunteer turnout, followed by Cebu, NCR, Batangas, Surigao del Sur, Pangasinan, Cavite, Negros Occidental, Quezon and Catanduanes. 

An estimated 14,828 bags of trash weighing 189,245.54 kilos were collected and 287.04 kilometers covered during beach/shoreline, waterway, underwater and watercraft cleanups. Of the total categorized debris items collected, about 67% belonged to the “Top Ten Debris” – a list of the most prevalent trash found in all the cleanups. Food wrappers (41%), cigarette butts (11%), other plastic bags (9%), plastic grocery bags (8%) and straws/stirrers (7%) are top debris on the list. They are also identified as the most prevalent debris for five consecutive years (2009-2013). Plastic take out/away container butts and plastic beverage bottles debris are new items in this year's "Top Ten". Good news, disposable diapers which rank third last year in the list went down to 14th rank.

Among the most unusual items found during the cleanups are 1 high heel shoe, 20 men’s underwear, 1 friendship ring, 1 motorcycle helmet, 12 pillows, 4 blankets and 2 baby cradles/hammocks.

Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) is the largest global volunteer effort for a cleaner and healthier marine environment. ICC which is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of September, connects and engages people to remove and record trash/debris from beaches/shorelines, waterways and seas and make a difference - for trash free seas.

Join our cause this 19th of September 2015. Please visit our website for more details.

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