Human Practices
Beach Cleanup
On October 21, 2023, our team spontaneously participated in a beach cleanup activity. Throughout the process, we learned a lot of different things. Initially, we were considering an alternative plan in case Ms. Cheer would not accept our interview. In the worst-case scenario, we would have to complete this mission and continually finish our project in some way. Indeed, things didn’t go as we had planned. Participating in the beach cleaning event was a meaningful experience that taught us several important lessons. We learned about the prevalence of plastic pollution on the beach, with common items such as plastic bottle caps, plastic ropes, and cigarette butts. We realized the harm that plastic waste causes to marine ecosystems and gained insights into the importance of reducing plastic use and proper waste disposal.cleanup experience also highlighted the power of teamwork in achieving environmental goals. Additionally, we discovered the challenges of persistent pollution despite regular cleaning efforts and emphasized the need for comprehensive measures and individual responsibility in environmental protection. At the same time, we’ve also seen some garbage that we did not expect to appear in the ocean, including glass cups, bathtubs, needles and most of the garbage we got was cigarettes. Overall, the beach cleanup reinforces the importance of sustainable practices, the urgent need for conservation, and the collective impact of individual actions.
Garbage Installation Art
The growing issue of harm to the environment caused by inappropriate trash disposal has driven us to act. We went on a creative project utilizing easily accessible items such as hot melt glue, milk cups, plastic cups, and paper cups to support recycling and solving the enormous amount of rubbish gathering in our school. This article describes our journey in changing these seemingly useless materials into a beautiful Christmas tree that serves not just as a seasonal symbol but also as a forceful message about the necessity of recycling. Our main motivation for this effort comes from our students in the absence of sustainable recycling habits. The careless disposal of materials has resulted in an abundance of garbage, which has a negative impact on the environment. We hoped to accomplish this project by raising awareness about the need of recycling and inspiring a positive shift in waste management habits within our school community. For example, we assigned each layer of the Christmas tree with a specified number of milk cups in order to stabilize the structure of the Christmas tree. Unfortunately, just the first two rows of the milk cups were effective, prompting us to rethink and change our strategy.
Our project took four weeks to complete, during which we worked on the Christmas tree in the school’s art department. We visited the disposal facility before building the tree to obtain a firsthand understanding of the amount of waste and to wash the gathered junk, underlining the need for a clean environment. Even though we had a clear mission and vision, our project’s initial stages were filled with challenges and obstacles. We had multiple difficulties in our attempts to create the tree, requiring us to change our methods several times. Despite these obstacles, our dedication to the cause drove us to continue and adapt until we discovered an effective solution. Finally, our dedication paid off as we successfully built a gorgeous Christmas tree using a pyramid construction. The tree, dressed with colorful holiday accessories, not only serves as a beautiful treat but also as a memorial to the transformational power of recycling. We believe that this initiative would instill a feeling of responsibility in our classmates, motivating them to embrace sustainable habits and contribute to trash reduction in our school. The Christmas tree symbolizes as a reminder that with the collective imagination and perseverance, we can convert trash into something beautiful while also helping the environment.
Interview
Beach Cleanup Interview
How many years of experience do you have in beach cleanup?
Interviewee A: Since I joined the company, it’s been seven or eight years.
Interviewee B: Seven or eight years.
Interviewee C: I started volunteering for beach cleanup over a decade ago.
What type of garbage is most common?
Mostly plastic waste, such as PET bottles, cigarette butts, plastic bags, and commonly, fishing nets and ropes used in the fishing industry.
Most interesting experience?
Seeing everyone working together enthusiastically and a tremendous sense of camaraderie among colleagues, and witnessing more and more people joining beach cleanup efforts. It’s touching to see the impact grow, but at the same time, there’s a sense of frustration as the garbage seems never-ending, and eventually, you end up exhausted on the sidelines.
Why participate in beach cleanup?
Initially, it was company-sponsored, but later on, it became enjoyable. Family members and children started joining in, adding a lively atmosphere. It’s also an opportunity to educate children about the importance of beach cleanup in benefiting marine environments and providing a clean home for marine life.
The value of the ocean
It’s crucial to regard the ocean as an extension of ourselves. We should invest more effort and manpower in safeguarding marine resources. The hope is to convey concepts like reducing plastic use and proper waste disposal to everyone. We should be aware of the cycle of life in ecology, and if we don’t take action, the waste will ultimately return to us, creating a vicious cycle.
Azure fighter Interview
What memories or emotions make you particularly fond of the sea?
Childhood impressions of the beauty of the ocean led to a deep connection. However, working in marine-related fields revealed the severity of ocean pollution, prompting involvement in marine conservation.
Is it a journey coming from the heart?
It is a journey from the heart, though occasional disappointment and frustration arise. Optimism is crucial throughout the entrepreneurial process.
Family’s attitude?
Supportive with their voluntary help after family members realize the positive impact of the work.
Entrepreneurial path driven by a passion for the ocean?
Passion is the first step, but knowledge is fundamental. The belief in the capability to make a difference keeps the commitment alive.
Future goals?
Short-term: Ensure survival and development continue, ensuring the organization’s sustainable operation.
Long-term: Establish a center for marine technology and sustainable development, sharing six years of experience, assisting more teams in marine conservation, and becoming an Asia-Pacific Sustainable Development Center.
How do we support environmental NGOs?
It suggests that concerned individuals choose a specific issue to focus on and actively participate in organizational activities. Providing tangible assistance can significantly contribute to the efforts of NGOs.
Opinions on Taiwan’s marine laws?
We believe that Taiwan has comprehensive marine laws, but political and cultural factors limit their enforcement.
How many hours on average per day are spent cleaning up the oceans?
Spending around 16 to 17 hours daily, balancing regular daytime work with evening efforts for marine conservation.
What are the different versions of the cleanup machine?
The first version involved basic testing, and the second aimed at remote control. The third version aimed to reduce human effort through data analysis, and identifying garbage hotspots. The fourth version aims for an interconnected network where ships coordinate and share information.
Valuable lesson or experience?
They were willing to try and make mistakes, especially in the early stages when variables were uncertain. Iterative improvements were necessary.
What keeps you going?
Maintaining a sense of optimism, even though the journey has taken six years and success is still a work in progress.
Is it a journey coming from the heart?
It is a journey from the heart, though occasional disappointment and frustration arise. Optimism is crucial throughout the entrepreneurial process.
Family’s attitude?
Supportive with their voluntary help after family members realize the positive impact of the work.
Entrepreneurial path driven by a passion for the ocean?
Passion is the first step, but knowledge is fundamental. The belief in the capability to make a difference keeps the commitment alive.
Future goals?
Short-term: Ensure survival and development continue, ensuring the organization's sustainable operation.
Long-term: Establish a center for marine technology and sustainable development, sharing six years of experience, assisting more teams in marine conservation, and becoming an Asia-Pacific Sustainable Development Center.
How do we support environmental NGOs?
It suggests that concerned individuals choose a specific issue to focus on and actively participate in organizational activities. Providing tangible assistance can significantly contribute to the efforts of NGOs.
