In the immortal words of Barbie’s Ken, “My job is just beach.” Personally, I think that sounds like a dream job and has a lot to do with why I made the move from Western Canada to Los Cabos this year. For those of us who are beach lovers, strolling along the many beaches of Los Cabos is pure bliss.
With that said, beaches need many “Kens” to keep them looking pristine. The large resorts that line the Cabo Corridor employ dedicated staff to ensure that visitors are able to enjoy their holidays and play and lounge along pristine white sand beaches.
For those of you who like to explore, you might be surprised to learn that there are, in fact, hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches along the Baja Peninsula. And if you get off the beaten path in most cases, there won’t be a resort or any development in sight.
If you’re lucky, you will see the tell-tale track of a tortuga (turtle) as it makes its way up the beach to lay its clutch of 100 or so eggs. You’ll see beautiful rock outcrops, pelicans, osprey, and rays jumping out of the sea.
Unfortunately, you will also see an unwanted visitor: plastic. Hurricanes and large storms create vast torrents of water that help to nourish the desert but also create the opportunity for the sea to give back what we have thrown into it. This discharge of plastic happens on beaches throughout the world.
Thankfully, you can play a role in the cleanup. Carry a small bag with you when you take a stroll along the beach (whether in Baja California Sur or anywhere else), and simply pick up any plastic you see to dispose of it properly. Remember, every little bit helps. By picking that bottle top up, you will prevent it from breaking down into smaller and smaller microplastics that are wreaking havoc on the health of wildlife and humans alike.
So next time you head to the beach, do a little something to help ensure they remain beautiful and pristine for everyone to enjoy for years to come.
