A spirited group of volunteers converged at Clifton Beach for a community-led beach cleaning initiative aimed at addressing the growing issue of coastal pollution. Equipped with gloves and trash bags, participants diligently gathered discarded plastics, bottles, and other debris, underscoring the vital importance of environmental stewardship.
Local activists have stressed that this initiative is essential not only for maintaining the beach’s natural beauty but also for protecting marine life. The cleanup, organized by PMPKL in collaboration with the Entrepreneurship Youth Development Society (EYDS), was aptly named “Stride for Sustainability.” It featured both a beach cleanup and an awareness walk along Karachi’s coastline. Participants were divided into three teams, each assigned to collect the maximum amount of recyclable waste along a 1.5 to 2 km stretch of beach.
The combined efforts resulted in an impressive total of 431 kg of waste being collected. The organizers prioritized safety, providing clear guidelines on hydration, protective gear, and safe waste handling throughout the event. Speaking at the event, Ali Takesh, Managing Director of Philip Morris Pakistan and Afghanistan, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, stating, “We are pleased to have partnered with EYDS for this important event. At Philip Morris, sustainability is at the heart of our operations. This beach cleanup drive reflects our commitment to reducing pollution and fostering environmental awareness.” Shaista Ayesha, Vice President at EYDS, emphasized the significance of collective action in achieving sustainable solutions.
“This beach cleanup drive is crucial not only for protecting marine and human life but also for raising awareness about the importance of anti-littering,” she noted. Beyond the cleanup efforts, participants gained valuable insights into recycling best practices, learning about recyclable materials such as plastics, metals, and glass.
This knowledge empowers them to understand how their individual actions can contribute to a more sustainable circular economy. The recyclables collected during the event will be donated to local startups specializing in innovative recycling solutions, ensuring that the waste gathered is repurposed into new materials and products.
