On a gorgeous spring morning in April 2016, a crew of 20 keen Pureology fans, many of whom were hairdressers on a day off, gathered at the Milford Cruising Club for a day out on the beach to give some good back to a pace that we love – Milford Beach. After an ice breaker session where we all got to know each other over ‘bad hair day’ stories, Jodi from Sustainable Coastlines gave an informative Love Your Coast presentation touching on the wider issues of origins and effects of plastics in our environment and the impact that people like us can have on the health and wellbeing of the environment, both through individual and collective action.

Motivated by some of the horrific pictures of animals with plastic inside them, the team geared up for action. They headed to the beach, gloves on hands and sacks ready to be filled.

Milford is lucky enough to have locals who love and care for their beach and who do their best to keep the beach clean. So we were there looking out for the really small bits of plastic that escape the eyes of the dog walkers and sunbathers. Everyone was surprised with the amount we did pick up: 1,064 pieces in total including 267 cigarette butts, 180 food wrappers, 60 straws and hundreds of other pesky plastic pieces.

This event reconfirmed the need for increased understanding about the impacts that plastic products have on the marine environment and human health. It also highlighted the tangible impact that a small group of caring coast lovers can have through taking positive action. Although it was only two bags full, it was a very satisfying day for all involved. Several people mentioned that they will continue to do their own beach clean-ups – a sure sign Sustainable Coastlines has effected positive change.