Coastal clean-up operations are increasing in Marseille, France thanks to the environmental organisation Clean My Calanques, who alongside a team of volunteers, can collect up to a tonne of waste in one clean-up session.
Clean My Calanques organises beach clean-ups once or twice a month in the south of France region, and aims to educate everyone, both local and national, about environmental issues.
Clean My Calanques came about in 2017 after president and co-founder of Clean My Calanques, Eric Akopian was jogging along the path to Calanque de Morgiou, a small fishing port, and was astounded by the amount of waste present along the creek. On the guidance of his mother, Eric Akopian decided to organise a beach clean-up among friends. Their first ever clean-up saw seven pair of hands collect 32 kilos of waste.
Eric Akopian, President & Co-founder of Clean my Calanques, said: “We underestimate our power of action: many people think that small isolated actions are useless and that it is better to give up. It’s quite the opposite! Every action has its impact, and we must set an example for future generations to protect our environment.”
Since 2017, Clean My Calanques have organised more than 40 clean-ups and have visited numerous schools to campaign about environmental stewardship to more than 1,600 young people.
Last year, the Clean My Calanques team released a rap song and video, entitled Cleaner Organisé, which has helped spread the organisation’s environmental message worldwide, inspiring others to galvanise clean-up crews where they live.
Rosa Medea is Life & Soul Magazine’s Chief. She writes about lifestyle including sustainable and green living
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