Official Destination Marketing Organisation for the region
At Visit South Devon, our unwavering commitment to sustainability fuels our desire to make a positive impact on our local community and the environment. With this objective in mind, we initiated a beach cleanup event. We sought the expertise of The 2 Minute Foundation to help with this event, an exceptional charity dedicated to the idea that even two minutes of effort can bring about significant change.
Our beach clean took place on a warm September day at Blackpool Sands Beach, nestled near the picturesque maritime town of Dartmouth. At first glance, the beach appeared relatively free of litter. However, it wasn’t until we actively started searching that we discovered a surprising amount of debris. Among the items we found were coffee cups, sugar sachets, tin foil, cigarette butts, and crisp packets, but the primary culprits were minuscule pieces of waste known as micro-plastics, likely carried onto the beach from the sea. Interestingly, we also stumbled upon some more unusual items, including underwear, plastic toy parts, and cable ties—illustrating the diverse range of objects that can end up on the beach, either discarded by individuals or washed ashore by the tide.
We were fortunate to have the support of several outstanding local businesses that sponsored our event, including Salcombe Brewery, RFS Marketing, Stagecoach, Stoke Lodge Hotel, Cofton Holiday Park, and Sea Kayak Devon. Additionally, a significant number of community members joined us, driven by a shared commitment to making a positive impact.
Following our beach clean, we invited our event sponsors to participate in a sustainability workshop hosted by The 2 Minute Foundation at Kendricks Restaurant in Stoke Fleming, part of the Leonards Cove family. During this enlightening session, we gained valuable insights and practical tips for leading more environmentally conscious lives. The workshop commenced with a thought-provoking discussion about the numerous plastic-based items we use in our daily routines, such as hairbrushes, showers, and car keys. It was eye-opening to realize the extent of our plastic consumption. While some items like cars or phone chargers are difficult to eliminate entirely, there are undoubtedly numerous ways to reduce our everyday plastic usage.
Here are some fascinating facts we learned from The 2 Minute Foundation:
• Beach cleans trigger the release of all four of your happy hormones: serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin.
• The misconception that plastic takes hundreds of years to break down is debunked. In reality, plastic never truly decomposes. Instead, it breaks down into smaller particles called micro and nano-plastics, persistently finding their way into our water, food, and even the air we breathe – a concerning revelation.
• Plastic production and pollution rank as the leading cause of global warming, followed by agricultural farming and transport.
• Recovering all the plastic currently in existence would obviate the need to produce new “virgin” plastics.
If possible, take a moment to reflect on the extent of plastic items in your own home. Then, dedicate a mere two minutes to brainstorm ways to replace these items with more eco-friendly alternatives—a philosophy closely aligned with the core values of the 2 Minute Foundation, where small efforts can catalyze profound change. Simple adjustments, such as switching from a plastic toothbrush to a bamboo one or preparing your own lunch for work rather than buying single-use meal deals, can make a substantial impact.
For business owners, consider implementing initiatives that encourage your employees to adopt greener practices. Initiatives like cycle-towork programs, carpooling schemes, or providing reusable coffee cups and water bottles can significantly reduce the consumption of singleuse items among your staff. The workshops we attended prompted profound self-reflection, both personally and within our business operations.
If you’re interested in participating in a beach clean, The 2 Minute Foundation has established litter-picking stations at numerous beaches, green spaces, and towns in South Devon and beyond. We invite you to join us in taking this small step toward helping our planet. And, remember to tag @VisitSouthDevon in any beach clean photos you share on Facebook, Twitter (X), or Instagram!
