Let’s clean Up this Earth!

“Pure Clean Earth” is a movement connecting people who care for environment. Through events like beach cleanups and low impact workshops, they become aware of the current plastic problem that covers the world today and how to address it. The founder, Daniel Reynolds, is a former hostel manager who lives out his job as a mission of honor. He knows how a person can make an impact on the plastic problem and what is possible to do without government support.

What was a reason you created “Pure Clean Earth”?

It all started in April 2018 when I went to the beach. I was searching for a place rest, however I could see nothing but plastic. It hit me hard and I decided to collect everything I could see in that moment. But after filling a few bags I realized the problem was much bigger, and so I left with the idea to start an event, which inspired the entire movement. I knew I had to do something — and so I did.

What territories «became easier to breathe» after the work you and your teams have done?

As of August 12, we have cleared 1359 kg of waste from 3 beaches. Of that, 150 kg is waste cleared from partners and friends of “Pure Clean Earth” who have been inspired to begin their own events, or small organized cleanups.

It’s much easier to see the stress relief on the smaller places we clean, such as Great Yarmouth in the UK and Sitges in Catalonia, because the rate of waste consumption that is thrown away is much less than somewhere like Barcelona that has millions of people that visit the beach per week.

Spain, Great Britain, Portugal, what’s next?

Right now, it’s very spontaneous and this is because with no funding yet, I am searching for locations that I have accommodation or a ‘couch’ to sleep on, so that I can spread the word and get the events started. We are in touch with some very interested people that want to get involved in Israel, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Sweden, Colombia, Australia, and Guatemala.

What principles do you follow?

It’s very important that we build a culture around us that gives without wanting to receive. I am a big believer in the idea that if you give because it’s wonderful to share, love and happiness will circulate indefinitely.

What are the goals for next year?

Expand, keep clearing as much as possible, and create our first educational workshops inside schools and also for the general public. The events will be alternative based demonstrations, showing step by step how you can make the transition from a life of single-use plastic, to having a much lower impact on the environment around us.

How can one become a member of the Pure Clean Earth team?

If you care about the planet and all living things that roam it, then to me you’re already one of us. To support and be a part of our growth, you can join our events, share our social updates and news, or donate to our cause.

What was the largest amount of garbage that you’ve cleaned up?

Five volunteers together cleared 78 kg of trash from La Barceloneta beach in Barcelona.

Tell us about a Zero Waste society.

Zero Waste, or a term that I’m becoming more comfortable with, ‘Low Impact’, is all about removing what you don’t need so that you have less stuff, yet you have much more from life. Most people see the word ‘minimalistic’ and think it’s for hippies that live in the forests. However, it’s not this at all. We can live with less destruction caused to the planet and thrive with things to do, even in the technological world of 2018. Zero Waste and Low Impact movements are the doors to this way of life.

How do you influence society’s attitude towards the problems of ecology?

Demonstration and action. When you see somebody showing you how to do something with an open invitation to join them, the mindset forms from there. With the well-being of nature at the heart of everything we do, the puzzle will shape on its own.

How much can one person do to improve the health of the planet?

There’s a popular quote on the internet today: “What difference will one bottle make?” said 8 billion people. If we all decide to take small actions and longterm changes by focusing on one thing at a time, over the course of 100 years, 8 billion people will have a natural masterpiece outside their front doors.

Daniel Reynolds, a founder of “Pure Clean Earth”

How much time do you devote to «Pure Clean Earth»?

I probably spend 6-8 hours every day focused on growing this movement big enough that we can not only clean beaches, but inspire a positive mindset so that all humans can connect with nature and thrive alongside it.

What everyday habits will help reduce the total consumption of plastic?

Be conscious about your actions whenever you do something. Ask yourself, what is this that I’m purchasing? How long will it remain with me and how long will it remain in the environment?

It’s a process and it takes time, don’t expect to be zero waste from one day to the next. Start making small changes in your lifestyle and when you get used to it, do another one and so on. One by one, we unite to change the world.