I grew up with Mother Nature being my playground. Any chance I’d get to climb a tree, jump off cliffs, dive into a body of water – you could count me in. In recent years, the ocean has had a pull on me like no other. As I explore the vast, blue, weightless world, I am once again reminded of the beauty of this planet we call home. Yet, just as quickly, I am reminded that we haven’t been the best stewards of our home. 

According to one national geographic report, “there are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean. Of that mass, 269,000 tons float on the surface, while some four billion plastic microfibers per square kilometer litter the deep sea. Scientists call these statistics the “wow factor” of ocean trash.”

Big numbers, yes, but unfortunately as staggering as it is, these are numbers we cannot fully comprehend. It’s not in our human DNA to make sense of such numbers. They say “seeing is believing” – isn’t that the truth? We’ve all seen the harm and destruction the waste has on our environment, particularly on wildlife. After all, it was witnessing a plastic straw being pulled out of a turtle’s nose that inspired the world to transition to paper straws. Don’t get me wrong, the entire 2-minute lifespan of a paper straw is a better alternative, maybe. But in all seriousness, changes of such is a great sign because it shows that we care.

It’s sad to admit, however, that on any given day, you could walk out to a beach near you, and you’ll most likely see traces of humanity’s waste washed up along the shorelines. But there is a simple solution to that. It is both beneficial for the environment and our own well-being; beach clean-ups are an important and effective way to bring about change. Now, before you go ahead and disagree, saying, “It’s a futile effort. What’s the point? The trash is just going to wash up in a couple of weeks.” You’re probably right, the trash will eventually wash up again. But why should this be a deterrent, instead, shouldn’t it motivate us to fight even harder? It should be our fuel to recognize not just what we are fighting for but who we are fighting for – the next generation and generations to come.

The SALT Collectiv has incorporated this fight as part of its mission. Joined with other like-minded organizations in the past couple of years to improve the coastal and ocean ecosystem, ensure the well-being of marine wildlife, dispose of waste the right way, and create a safer environment for us all. On top of that, beach clean-ups are a great and practical way to be outdoors – getting some sand between your toes and fostering a community of people who want to be the change they want to see in the world, to paraphrase Gandhi. 

Personally, after attending the last SALT Collectiv beach clean-up event, I felt super accomplished, and for good reasons might I add. A group of us began digging up what appeared to look like bits of fishing net that poked out of the sand, only to find, 4 hours later, it was an assortment of entangled objects, including an anchor. All in all, it had to have weighed over two hundred kilograms but it felt more like a thousand while we carried it over to the designated disposal site. But hey, teamwork makes the dream work, am I right.

So, as we make preparations for our next event, coming up on May 7th at Shimen Kite Beach Park. Once again, we have an opportunity to return the favor to Mother Nature who graces us with her beauty. There’s a quote I heard from the ‘Seapaircy’ documentary that’s become a motto I live by: “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something”, said the great marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle. I look forward to doing something with you all soon.

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1.) Are there beach cleanup volunteer opportunities in Taipei, Taiwan?

Yes, SALT Collectiv has adopted the Shimen Kite Park beach and hosts biannual beach cleanups there every year, once in May and once in December. The SALT Collectiv biannual beach cleanup is a volunteer community favorite and we get international volunteers from all over come out to volunteer. As a socially responsible group, we aim to do our part in caring for the environment.

2.) Where can I volunteer in Taiwan?

SALT Collectiv is a nonprofit headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan that hosts volunteer opportunities to serve the marginalized. Volunteer opportunities include serving the homeless through our SALT soup kitchen, orphanage visitations, elderly care, biannual beach cleanups, and our annual Christmas Giving Tree that gives over 1,000 gifts each year to the marginalized all over Taiwan. We also have fun community fundraiser events such as trivia nights, bake sales, F45 workouts, carwashes, and many more. Come checkout our community and join the movement.

3.) Can foreigners volunteer in Taiwan?

Yes! SALT Collectiv is a diverse international community of volunteers uniting for the purpose of making a lasting imprint for the vulnerable and marginalized. There are no prerequisites required to sign up for events and we welcome expats and locals alike to join our community. We ask only that you come with a heart to serve. When individuals come together, dedicating their time and talent to serve the marginalized, lives are touched and communities are transformed. In volunteering, you engage in causes bigger than yourself, cultivate meaningful relationships and positively impact your community.