I used to think that way too and I have often heard the despair in people’s voices. The feeling that our effort is just a drop in the ocean. However, I want to tell you something from the bottom of my heart: it’s not about the one-day result – it’s about so much more.
When we participate in activities such as beach cleaning, we recognise it is more about our relationship with nature. We quickly understand that helplessness is the enemy of action. It is natural that when we see a problem so big, our brains tell us we are powerless. But the simple act of bending down to pick up one plastic bottle, then another, breaks that cycle. Each piece of rubbish you remove is a small, tangible victory. It gives you a feeling of self-worth and purpose. It shows you that you are not powerless. You are a part of the solution.
Beach clean-ups are not just about the trash. They are about the people. They are about our community coming together. I have seen doctors, teachers, fishermen and tourists side-by-side, all with the same shared purpose. We don’t talk about politics or money. We talk about the strangest thing we found, the most beautiful shell, the countless shoes, lighters and discarded fishing nets. We laugh. We share stories. In that moment, we are all just people who love this island and we connect. These events are where lifelong friendships begin. They build a stronger community, a more connected Phuket.
Daily choices
A clean-up is also educational, not theoretical or something we watch on social media, but an issue we connect with personally. When we find a bottle from a country thousands of miles away, it is a powerful lesson. It shows us that we are all connected by the ocean. It reminds us that our own daily choices – like choosing a reusable bottle or bag – have a global impact. This knowledge is not depressing; it is empowering. It gives us a new way to live, a way to be more mindful.
When you participate in a beach clean-up you have a clear goal: a clean beach. It has a clear end point. When you step back at the end of the day and see a clean stretch of sand, you see proof that your work matters. It is a powerful feeling. It is a feeling of hope.
The monsoon waves will indeed bring more trash tomorrow. But that doesn’t make what we did today a waste of time. Today, we chose hope over despair. We chose to be active instead of passive. We chose to connect with our community and with nature. We showed our beaches, and ourselves, that we care.
So the next time you see a beach covered in litter, don’t turn away. Pick up a single piece. Then, if you feel up to it, find a friend and pick up another. Because every piece matters and every person you inspire is a testament to the power of human empathy and our ability to make a difference, one handful of hope at a time.
Josh O’Neill, a Certified Green Project Manager, GPM-b, with a Diploma in Conservation Psychology and an environmental advocate who leverages his extensive experience in community engagement and environmental awareness to highlight Phuket’s environmental issues and sustainable initiatives. Phone/WhatsApp 099-998-9274 or support@thelitterclub.org.