Throwing shapes, not litter

Monday 27 August 2018

Islanders are set to get their groove on silent disco-style today while cleaning up Havre des Pas - and this time, they're not letting the weather hold them back.

Originally planned for the end of July, the Silent Disco Beach clean had to be cancelled due to bad weather. Instead, the event - organised by the Eco Active team - will be held today.

The family-friendly event was inspired by a similar one held by Pier 2 Beach Cleans in Brighton earlier this year and is being held between 13:30 and 15:30, starting by the Lifeguard Station.

Jane Burns, Eco Active’s Programme Manager, said: “We have a student on placement with us this summer who saw the event in Brighton and was keen for us to host our own. She has taken on organising this event and we are really excited to see how it pans out in Jersey.

"All are welcome and we really hope that people will get into the spirit of the event and get their grove on to some funky disco beats."

The beach clean will start by the Lifeguard Station where the lifeguards have the first of Eco Active's beach cleaning boards. Mrs Burns explained: “These boards have been made for us at the prison, and hold reusable bags and litter pickers, so people visiting the pool and beach can carry out their own beach clean whenever they like.”

Pictured: Prisoners have created boards for the beach clean.

Organisers confirmed on Friday that the forecast looked good for today, adding: "The event will only be cancelled if we have an orange or red weather warning – so we are confident that all will go ahead as planned!"

"We are really excited that the event is being supported by two local businesses who’ve already achieved Plastic Free Jersey Status," they added. The Lido and Moo – Mostly Organic Origin will be providing snacks to fuel beach cleaners. Participants are asked to bring reusable containers and refillable water bottles for their refreshments.

At 14:30, Awareful will lead an ‘Introduction to Mindfulness’ meditation session on the beach for some ocean appreciation and relaxation.

Pictured: The beach clean will start at 13:30 by the Lifeguard Station.

The beach clean is part of the Plastic Free Jersey initiative. The regional representative for Surfers Against Sewage, Linzi Hawkin, explained: “One of the criteria for Plastic Free Jersey status looks at our ‘on the ground actions’ so it’s important we get people involved in a variety of different ways. 

"The silent disco might appeal to people who haven’t been involved with an activity like this before. Please dress for the weather as well as for the activity and remember to bring your own reusable water bottle.”

Plastic Free Jersey provides individuals, businesses, schools and groups with toolkits that will help them reduce their single-plastic use. People can also make commitments and share their success when they meet them.

Last month, as part of Plastic Free July, they called on businesses and children to join their efforts.