Posted by Vicki (litter patrol team) on January 8, 2017, 12:29 am
A number of people spent time doing litter patrol in 2016, and I appreciate everyone who does!
I am among the many people who truly hope that our most persistent litter gatherer, Errol (Flecha) is doing well and is able to return to La Manzanilla soon!
I can report about my own efforts for the year. Others are welcome to report about their efforts here if they like.
I spent fewer hours doing litter patrol in 2016 than in previous years, because personal obligations reduced my available time. I hope to have more time available in 2017.
In 2016, I spent 92 hours doing litter patrol. I removed 710 gallons, 484 plastic bottles, and 3 abandoned fishing nets from the beach, and 85 gallons from the streets.
More than 1/3 of my time (34 hours) was during the Easter holiday (Semana Santa and Semana Pasqual), and after Christmas, during which I removed 340 gallons and 247 plastic bottles from the beach. During these 3 weeks, I try to get out daily before sunset, within the tide lines.
I have been doing litter patrol here since 2008. I think La Manzanilla has less litter every year. Also, most businesses, including most beach restaurants, are doing a stellar job of cleaning litter in front of their establishments.
There is still too much litter, but I am optimistic that the local litter issue will continue to improve.
P.S. I measure in gallons because I use a 5 gallon bucket. My apologies to those who measure everything in the infinitely more sane metric system.
I would like to thank you and all that do this for your efforts. This is part of why La Manzanilla is such a wonderful and scenic place. It's most encouraging that you feel the litter problem is getting better every year.