Hong Kong is a city filled with beautiful beaches, unfortunately, many are polluted with trash washed up on shore due to ocean plastic pollution. Research shows that 5,600 pieces per square meter of plastic are found at Hong Kong beaches, a number 50% higher than South Korea, where a similar study was conducted. Though beaches popular for public use are often maintained clean, many less visited beaches and ungazetted areas of beaches are flushed with rubbish. The issue of plastic pollution is not only contaminating the beautiful beaches but also causing harm to marine ecology. 

Hence, we took proactive steps to address the pressing issue of beach pollution by organising a beach clean-up event at Hong Kong’s Stanley Back Beach. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about environmental conservation, promote community engagement in preserving natural habitats, and contribute to the cleanliness and sustainability of Hong Kong's beaches. It fulfils the theme saving the planet.

The successful execution of the beach clean-up event required careful coordination and collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department. By working closely with the department, we obtained the necessary approvals and materials to ensure a safe and effective clean-up operation.

On the designated day, volunteers from Who is Hussain, along with members of the local community, gathered at Stanley Back Beach to participate in the clean-up effort. Equipped with gloves, trash bags, and other cleaning supplies, we set out to meticulously comb through the beach area to collect litter and debris. To make things more interactive, we also set a competition to see which team collected the most trash and who found the weirdest item among the rubbish. It was fun to witness participants show their competitive side and get excited about the clean up.  

Despite the challenges posed by the accumulation of waste, the collective efforts of the volunteers resulted in the collection of four big bags of trash, significantly reducing the environmental impact on the beach ecosystem.

The beach clean-up event served as a reflection of our shared responsibility to protect the environment and preserve natural resources for future generations. By actively engaging in hands-on conservation efforts, we not only made a tangible difference in cleaning up the beach but also fostered a sense of environmental consciousness and civic pride within the community.

What’s next? 

As I transition beyond the initial six-week immersive experience with Who is Hussain in Hong Kong, I am excited to embark on an extended journey as the Events Manager, dedicated to addressing a broader range of social issues that impact the local community. Building upon the foundation laid during the immersive program, I am committed to leveraging my skills, passion, and dedication to drive impactful initiatives that contribute to positive change and social progress in Hong Kong.