Earth Day used to clean beach front

By ADRIAN MATHIAS
DISPOSING of rubbish in the right place is a very basic thing that should start with all individuals, United States Ambassador Teddy Taylor says.
He made the comment to residents of the National Capital District during an Earth Day clean-up of the Ela Beach in Port Moresby last Friday.
Former Miss PNG Rachael Sapery James said the capital city faced a serious plastic pollution problem.
James urged residents in Port Moresby to be thoughtful when disposing of rubbish.
“Many of us enjoy this wonderful beach, we come and relax, have lunch, swim and play, but only a few have a heart to keep it clean and healthy,” she said.
“This is sad but true and it is time we all start being responsible citizens.”
She said Bank South Pacific would continue to support such activities and to drive home its ‘Go Green’ message until people learnt to be more responsible.
The bank supported the event with T-shirts, caps, garbage bags and gloves. 
US Embassy public diplomacy officer Regis Prevot said the clean-up event was part of cele­brations to mark Earth Day.
Prevot said mangroves and forests must be protected.
“We have reforestation projects in Madang and Manus,” he said.
He said with the support of the National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, Coca-Cola and Bank South Pacific they were able to clean up the beach front so that city residents could enjoy a clean beach for a few days.
Prevot thanked volun­teers from corporate firms, individuals and families who took time out to take part in the clean-up.
Earth Day marked the anniversary of the birth of the modern United States environmental movement that began in 1970.