More than 1000 kgs (one tonne) of trash, equivalent to the weight of one car was collected by volunteers during the St. Julian's Beach Cleanup organised by The Westin Dragonara Resort in St. Julian's on the 31st of August.
The event was open to the general public. This cleanup was part of a year-long project to protect the Blue Flag certified beaches of The Westin Dragonara Resort as well as the surrounding shoreline. This, as well as many more activities ensures that our shoreline and beaches are up to standard.
Volunteers included associates of The Westin Dragonara Resort as well other members if the public, who joined this initiative voluntarily. Participants witnessed first-hand the negative effects of litter on the surrounding environment and marine life and took action to protect it through shoreline litter removal. Plastic debris remains a growing concern in the marine environment, and the top five most commonly collected items are cigarette butts, plastic beverage bottles, food wrappers, plastic bottle caps and plastic straws, respectively.
"It is always inspiring to see our associates and the community come together and take time out of their busy lives to help make our local environment cleaner and even more beautiful than it already is", said Michael Camilleri Kamsky, General Manager of The Westin Dragonara Resort.
This year, volunteers cleaned a larger area than any year in the past, and in doing so demonstrated the continued importance of keeping St. Julian's clean and beautiful.
The most unusual items found as part of this year's event included: the head of an ornamental statue, a collection of shoes and a chimney!