Peter Talbot, from 3199 Frankston Beach Patrol, speaks to Kate Sears in the lead-up to Mission 100, the group’s joint clean-up with Positively Frankston on Saturday, November 17, at 9.30am at Frankston Pier.
What is 3199 Beach Patrol all about and how did it start?
3199 Frankston Beach Patrol is all about removing litter from our beaches, raising awareness of the growing problem pertaining to litter and marine debris with a view to reducing the amount that ends up in our oceans, thus helping to save marine life which is adversely affected by the litter. We keep the beach clean for beach-goers helping to keep the beach safe for all of us. 3199 Frankston Beach Patrol involves other community groups and individuals. We do this by hosting beach clean groups, providing education about litter issues with schools and local businesses as well as sporting groups. 3199 Frankston Beach Patrol started in March 2015, after council were looking for someone to help set up a beach patrol group here in Frankston. We launched in March of 2015 with John Billing as founding group manager.
What’s the main cause of beach litter?
There are a number of causes, but certainly single-use plastics such as bags, straws, bottles and cigarette butts are the main problem. The majority of litter is washed down kerbside stormwater and subsequently ends up in our bay. Another contributor to this is people not closing their council bin lids properly, meaning the litter gets blown out.
What type of litter data do you collect after each beach clean-up?
Primarily, 3199FBP collect data relating to the weight and type of litter collected, mainly recyclables versus non-recyclables. This helps to show how much litter that could have been recycled is not. In addition to that, however, we also collect more specific data for such organisations as Port Phillip Eco Centre and the Tangaroa Blue Foundation which is particular to items by classification, such as plastic bottles, plastic straws, cigarette butts, coffee cups and ‘nurdles’ used in plastic manufacturing.
When do you hold your beach clean-ups and how can people get involved?
Beach cleans occur twice a month, on the third Saturday and the following Wednesday throughout the year, helping to further keep our lovely piece of paradise clean. Our beach patrollers also conduct mini cleans, individually or in groups throughout the week. For more info, go to FrankstonBeachPatrol’s Facebook page
What’s a way that we can change plastic use at home, at work or at school so it doesn’t make its way to the beach?
Simple things like using a Keep Cup, don’t buy bottled water but instead use a refillable bottle, get yourself a stainless-steel straw, and you can even get reusable cutlery to take with you. Also, support food vendors that don’t serve food in plastic containers — many now have biodegradable items made from sustainable materials. Many of these in the local area are listed under responsiblecafes.org and trashlesstakeaway.com.au
Anything else you’d like to add?
3199FBP is great way for the community to get together and spend some time at the beach with like-minded people who care about our city. Frankston Beach Patrol will continue our beach clean volunteer work into the future and involving the community.