ENVIRONMENT East Algarve Clean up

The Gleam Team

2 years on and still going strong – The EA Cleanup Team

The 29th July marked the EA Cleanup Team’s 2 year anniversary since the group first formed, and what a past 2 years it has been! 50+ events later, the majority amidst a global pandemic, the group which has a core number of about 10-12 regular volunteers continue to do their utmost to keep the Sunday morning voluntary litter pick on-going and a regular occurrence in the East Algarve weekly calendar. From Olhão right up to the Portuguese border of VRS Antonio the EA Cleanup Team managed to recommence the litter pick-ups for 2021 in early June. Tavira based Daniel Fox, who originally created the group said:- I am so proud of the effort and commitment shown by everyone who has attended any of the events since we first arrived by boat on Cabanas Island 2 years ago, especially during Covid-19 and it has been an absolute pleasure to get the team up and running again this year post the winter lockdown.” Despite the pandemic, Covid-19 rules and restrictions the EA Team have strived to continue their good work that has seen them visit the Tavira Mercado, Skate Park, Gran Plaza, Conceiçào Station, Santa Luzia and Cabanas on two occasions since ‘Project Relaunch 2021’. All Covid-19 rules have been followed at all times during the events and volunteers have been advised that masks and social distancing guidelines must be adhered to, but this hasn’t stopped the good work that keeps ongoing, with the stand out event taking place at Conceiçào Station (pictured) which was attended by 14 volunteers – 6 of whom – for the first time. “When we first started the group we focussed on collecting the debris washed up on the beaches as I think we have all become more aware of the pollution in our seas. However we soon came to realise that there were other parts of the Eastern Algarve that required our attention and these were the areas that the Tavira Verde do not reach - away from our streets and footpaths that they do clean regularly” says Sheila and Gilroy Coleman of Conceiçào. “We have lost count of how many beer bottles we have picked up in recent times.” “We see ourselves as complementing Tavira Verde and with the support of the local community we hope to encourage more Portuguese to join us. Mindful of the need to avoid contravening pandemic regulations we shall be waiting until the end of the holiday season before we return to the beaches.” Vanessa and Steve Deacon, who moved to the East Algarve in September 2020 and have been ever-present since this year's relaunch added “Litter is a real problem to our environment, water ways, the sea and all that inhabit our beautiful planet. We hope to inspire others to join an organised litter pick like EA Cleanup but if you can't perhaps you can start one in your local area or street.” “Remember it is not about picking up others mess but about stopping rubbish entering the habitat and water ways where it does damage to wildlife and the ecosystem, eventually entering the human food chain. Litter picks bring communities together, joining in a common goal in the fight against pollution and keeping our local area clean and beautiful for us all to enjoy.” Daniel concluded “The work we do is incredibly satisfying, especially in this summer heat. It is a great opportunity to give something back to the local environment we love. The team has really come together and also formed a good social crowd which plays an important part in ones health and well-being, especially in these difficult times we currently live in”. “We are really looking to expand - what is already quite a diverse group of all ages - over the coming months and get more local community groups on-board so if anyone has any suggestions please do get in touch!” So why not join the EA Cleanup Team one Sunday morning, it is a great social occasion and all for a great cause – the environment of our beautiful Eastern Algarve! For more information join the EA Cleanup Team’s Facebook page and keep up to date with all the recent events:- https://www.facebook.com/ea.cleanup Alternatively contact Daniel Fox direct at daniel_foxy124@hotmail.com “Venha e limpe conosco! “PLEASE SHARE AND WE WILL SEE YOU THERE”