“Rethink Trash” Beach cleanup projects are far more than just tidying up the sand. They stand for everyone’s shared dedication to the environment. This promotes responsibility and respect for nature beyond the removal of litter. These initiatives safeguard the fragile ecosystem, protect marine life, and preserve the beauty of the shoreline for future generations. As a piece of garbage is collected, a statement is made: we understand and value our planet, and we are willing to work together to protect it. Community Service projects that involve beach cleanup not only make our coast more attractive but also foster a sense of cohesion and purpose, paving the way for a better, cleaner future for both our societies and the world.

On October 1st, The Rotaract Club of SLIIT embarked on the mission to make a meaningful impact on our community by organising a Beach Cleanup Project at Dehiwala Beach, Project Rethink Trash

The morning of the project commenced with a distinct sense of excitement from those who participated in it. The project started at nine o’clock in the morning with a single purpose and shared commitment to provide a charitable service to the environment. Before embarking on the mission of environmental stewardship, Rotaractors were delivered with a succinct yet impactful discourse about the historical significance of the project to the club, as this project has been a continuous project in the Rotaract Club of SLIIT for the past couple of years. 

The club members were entrusted with carrying out specific cleanup assignments because of their renewed enthusiasm, and they moved away from the starting point in separate directions determined to clear the beach of trash that had collected over time. The transformation from a litter-strewn shoreline to a pristine sanctuary was nothing short of heartwarming. By 11.30 a.m., the members were back at their original gathering point, each team proudly bearing five sustainable bags replete with trash. These bags served as a symbol of their joint efforts to protect and maintain their environment, as well as their waste. It was made sure that these were correctly placed at the specified waste collection locations, where the responsible staff of Dehiwala Municipal Council would oversee carrying out proper disposal. 

The reverberation of this beach cleanup project extended beyond the mere physical cleanup to a session to foster camaraderie and strengthen bonds among the Rotaract Club members of SLIIT. This project is proof of the positive power that can be unleashed when people band together for a common goal, making their neighbourhood a cleaner and more beautiful environment for everyone to enjoy.

Penned By:

Rtr. Kavisha Yapa

Editorial Committee Member 23.24