Canary Green: Sustainable Beach Clean-Ups in San Juan

On March 28, Canary Green hosted a community Beach Clean-Up in Playa San Juan, bringing together volunteers, local partners, and environmental advocates. As an organisation focused on sustainability and community-driven action, Canary Green creates initiatives that actively protect the island’s coastline while connecting people through meaningful experiences.

The clean-up brought together over 60 participants who worked across the beach and surrounding areas, collecting over 200 kg of waste, including microplastics. The atmosphere throughout the day was positive and collaborative. What stood out most was how naturally people came together — turning a simple clean-up into something more social and creative, even capturing moments for a spontaneous music video during the event.

 

Sponsors

Photographer credit

Photography by Diana. You can view more of her work by visiting her Instagram

Media Mentions & Support

Thanks to Oasis Radio and Canarian Weekly for their support and for helping to share and highlight this work.

Whale and dolphin resource

For more information about local marine life and conservation efforts, visit our whale and dolphin page 

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 Sholeo Lodges, Ocean Beer, PrivaTune, and EscapeFitbyMaggie 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

Initiatives like this show that Tenerife is not only about enjoying nature, but also about taking care of it. Bringing people together to create a cleaner coastline is a simple action, but one that leaves a lasting impact on both the environment and the community.

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!

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