There are days when your heart travels on two contrasting tracks. Yesterday, at Poris de Abona, we felt a deep happiness while working alongside extraordinary people for a common cause, but simultaneously felt grieved and disheartened by what our eyes had to witness.
The condition of the beach was terrible. The ocean has washed up a massive amount of microplastics onto the coastline—fragments nearly invisible at first glance but devastating to the ecosystem. Within the rocks, we gathered waste from other parts of the world: bottles, packaging, and objects transported by currents telling a global story of neglect and pollution from Australia, United States and Denmark.
The truth is hard to accept: a beach clean-up, on its own, is not the final solution. Tomorrow, the tide might bring back more plastic, because the ocean is already saturated with it. Collecting waste is just a bandage if we do not heal the wound at its root.
As an organization dedicated to sustainable tourism and behavior change, yesterday left us with one essential question to ask ourselves:
“When we see the ocean returning waste to us from every corner of the planet, do we realize that there is no such thing as ‘someone else’s garbage’—only behaviors that travel with us?”
However, days like yesterday are indispensable. They are not just about removing kilograms of trash from our coasts, but above all about educating, awakening consciences, and empowering people to make a real behavior change. Seeing and touching the impact of plastic firsthand transforms us; we no longer view daily consumption habits through the same lens.
This is why days like yesterday remain indispensable. They are not just about removing kilograms of trash from our coasts, but above all about educating, awakening consciences, and empowering people to make a real behavior change. Seeing and touching the impact of plastic firsthand transforms us; we no longer view daily consumption or travel habits through the same lens.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Partners and Volunteers
None of this would be achievable without a strong, unified community. A huge thank you goes to all the volunteers who dedicated their morning, putting energy, time, and passion into protecting our sea.
Special thanks to all our partners, especially Ocean Beer who continue to believe in this mission and provide their invaluable logistical and moral support. Working together with entities that share these values gives us the strength to keep pushing forward.
The road to a clean planet is long and requires systemic change, but as long as there are people willing to bend down to pick up what others have abandoned, hope for our oceans remains alive.
Thank you all for yesterday. Let us continue to protect what we love.
Sponsors
Media Mentions & Support
We are deeply grateful to the many partners and individuals who made the day possible:
Ayuntamiento de Arico, who sponsored the paella lunch and helped make the post-cleanup celebration so memorable.
Oasis FM, for helping promote the event and spreading awareness throughout the local community.
Ocean Beer, whose generous sponsorship was very much appreciated, because after hours of beach cleaning in the Canarian sunshine, a cold beer was more than earned.
70s Café Poris, for providing deliciuos bocadillos that brought volunteers together after a productive morning of environmental action.
Sustainable Practices Observed
- SDG 14 – Life Below Water: Removing waste from the coastline helps protect marine ecosystems and reduces ocean pollution.
- SDG 13 – Climate Action: Events like this raise awareness and encourage long-term environmental responsibility.
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Collaboration with partners such as Ocean Beer strengthens local impact.
- Waste Reduction & Awareness: Highlighting microplastics emphasises the importance of reducing everyday waste.
This initiative reflects Canary Green’s commitment to building a stronger, more conscious community. It shows how sustainable tourism in Tenerife can be hands-on, impactful, and accessible to everyone.
By organising activities like this, Canary Green contributes to responsible travel in the Canary Islands and promotes eco-friendly activities in Tenerife that leave a real, positive footprint.
Q&A: Planning to joing for the next beach clean up?
Where is the beach clean-up located?
We organise a beach clean-up every month at a different location across Tenerife. You can find details of our upcoming events on Eventbrite, or stay up to date through our social media channels.
How long does the beach clean-up take?
The beach clean-up lasts about two hours, running from 10:00 to 12:00.
What should you bring?
- Comfortable clothing
- Suitable footwear
- Water
- Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
Is this activity suitable for families?
Yes, it’s a family-friendly activity and a great way to get involved in environmental action together.
Closing Reflection
At Canary Islands Green, we have always believed that protecting the environment is not something any single organisation can achieve alone. It requires local residents, businesses, volunteers, municipalities and visitors all working together towards a shared vision: a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Canary Islands.
This day cleanup was a perfect example of what becomes possible when community spirit, environmental awareness and collective action align. To every single person who joined us: thank you. You helped protect this beautiful coastline for the generations who will call these islands home long after us.
Canary Green’s tips to enjoying sustainable tourism in Canary Islands
Visiting Canary Islands on holiday doesn’t give you free rein to leave your values and principles at home. We encourage travellers to seek out sustainable options and keep up with environmental practices while travelling. Our top tips for a relaxed and wholesome stay include:
- Consider green transport options. Are you able to take a ferry to the island instead of flying? While you are here is a car necessary? Investigate public transport links or choose green options such as electric cars, green-hydrogen cars or e-bikes.
- Choose destinations that value sustainability and choose green alternatives such as solar power, recycling and energy-efficient architecture. This extends to places that value workers’ rights and the impact on the local community.
- Bring your own water bottle with you and refill it instead of buying single-use plastic bottles.
- Make use of the recycling when out and about and don’t just throw your rubbish in the nearest bin.
- Take advantage of local knowledge and immerse yourself in the culture through campaigns such as #Ilovecanarias and #meatfreemondaycanarias.
- Most of all, have fun and enjoy your time in the Canary Islands.
Thank you
Thank you to everyone involved in this Canary Green project where our aim is to help promote sustainable tourism in the Canary Islands.
Do you want us to find you more sustainable choices? Please support us and donate today!
- John Beckley; Founder of Canary Green non profit
- Canary Green non profit:
- Conservation Project Manager: Nicola Formato
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