Michael Ryder decided to install nets in the canal that flows past his home and the simple idea is catching LOADS of litter destined to end up in the ocean.
Cape Town, South Africa – Michael Ryder took a stand against pollution 18-months-ago by installing nets in the canals of Marina da Gama. With the assistance of the City of Cape Town, he has been able to remove little from the waterway, preventing it from entering the ocean.
With the Cape rains, the amount of litter being caught in the nets has doubled. The worrying part is how much of it appears to be industrial waste and evidently has not been added to the canals by informal settlements.
It’s horrifying to see the amount of polystyrene that has ended up in the canal throughout Friday. Without Michaels net instalments, all this waste would have ended up in the ocean.
Michael has been able to run the project all thanks to the help of the private sector and the Plastic Federation. He is given a stipend that allows him to employ people to keep the nets clear. The local council sends people to empty the nets after rains have washed up all the rubbish.
People like Michael, who selflessly give all they can, are a true inspiration. His efforts have prevented untold amounts of pollution from ending up in the ocean where it could cause great harm!
Just take a look at what they pulled from the nets on Friday afternoon. Michael shares updates on what the nets catch on his Facebook page; you can follow his progress here.
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