The Beach Cleaner Map
Every year, large amounts of rubbish wash ashore along the West Coast. In the past, the litter was made of natural materials and decayed after a year or so. Today it consists (wood and logs excluded) of up to 90% of plastic in various forms. The remaining rubbish consists of glass and metal. Modern beach litter does not break down but remains on the beaches for decades, perhaps centuries, if not cleaned up.
The work with beach cleaning is carried out by the municipalities’ staff, contracted contractors, a number of non-profit organizations and, not least, all volunteers. All in all, approximately 200 tonnes of rubbish are cleaned on the estates between Strömstad and Kungsbacka municipalities, every year.
Beach cleaning is not just picking up the obvious. It’s about adjusting the eyes and also seeing all the smaller objects; caps, top sticks, balloon sticks, shot preloads, remains from tampons and more. These objects, among many others, pose a danger partly to sea-dwelling birds and animals, partly to the marine ecosystem in general
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- Challenge Tackled
The coastal municipalities clean up trash from residents and tourists on the beaches, but do not have the resources to pay for the cleanup of the large amounts of trash that comes from the sea.
The littering of our coasts is a national problem that we must solve together. The legislation, which is outdated, must be reviewed. Cooperation across land borders must be established to reduce the amount of litter out at sea. - Target group, beneficiaries or clients
Municipalities, residents and tourists.
- Solution
The beach cleaning map is a tool that makes it easier for you who are going to clean or have cleaned a beach. Via GPS points on the map, you can mark where there is a need for cleaning, where it has already been cleaned and where there are bags of rubbish to collect. - Innovation
User-Friendly Interface: The map provides a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and understand. It allows users to quickly locate beaches, view cleaning events, and access relevant information.
Interactive Mapping: The map employs interactive mapping technology, enabling users to explore various beach locations along the West Coast. Users can zoom in and out, pan across the map, and click on specific beaches to access detailed information.
Real-Time Updates: One of the notable innovations is the incorporation of real-time updates. Users can stay informed about upcoming beach cleaning events, ongoing initiatives, and the progress of completed cleanups. This feature ensures that the map remains up-to-date and relevant.
Event Management: The map provides a platform for organizing and managing beach cleaning events. Individuals or groups interested in conducting a cleanup can create an event, specify the date, time, and location, and invite others to participate. This feature promotes community engagement and encourages people to take action. - Unique Selling Point
The map promotes collaboration and networking among individuals, organizations, and communities involved in beach cleaning. It serves as a hub where participants can connect, share experiences, exchange knowledge, and support each other’s efforts. This collaborative aspect sets the map apart and fosters a stronger community around beach conservation. - Impact
Environmental Impact: The map facilitates and promotes beach cleaning initiatives, leading to a direct positive impact on the environment. By organizing and conducting cleanups, volunteers and organizations contribute to the removal of waste and debris from beaches, reducing pollution and preserving the natural beauty of coastal areas.
Community Engagement: The map encourages community involvement and engagement in beach cleaning activities. It provides a platform for individuals, organizations, and communities to come together, collaborate, and work towards a shared goal.
Awareness and Education: The map serves as a tool for raising awareness and educating the public about the importance of beach cleanliness and environmental conservation. By providing information on beach locations, ongoing initiatives, and the impact of pollution, the map helps to highlight the significance of preserving coastal ecosystems. - Feasibility/Transferability
The map leverages existing technologies, such as interactive mapping and data collection, which are widely accessible and user-friendly. This makes it feasible for users to navigate the platform and participate in beach cleaning activities without requiring specialized technical knowledge or equipment.
The map’s design and functionality are scalable, meaning it can be expanded to accommodate participation from a larger geographical area or engage a greater number of users. This scalability allows for the transferability of the platform to different regions or coastal areas, making it adaptable to various locations.
- Challenge Tackled
