The Toyama Consumers' Co-operative Union hosted a beach cleanup operation at two venues, Yaezuhama Beach and Rokudouji Sea Shore.

A total of 511 people (including 231 from Toyama Co-op), 303 for Yaezuhama Beach and 208 for Rokudouji Sea Shore, participated in the event, picking up trash along the beach and conducting a microplastic* survey. Many co-op members participated with their families, many of whom brought their children.

Microplastics are 5 mm or smaller pieces of plastic marine debris that have been broken up by waves and ultraviolet rays, causing problems such as fish mistaking them for bait/food and eating.

                     

At Yaezuhama Beach, a litter survey was conducted; 1 liter of sand was collected and sorted through a sieve, which yielded brightly colored plastic debris, including pieces of Styrofoam and pieces of artificial turf.

The total weight of trash collected by participants at Yaezuhama Beach was 687 kg. Through the trash pickup and microplastic survey, the event also provided an opportunity for the participants to think about the trash produced in their daily lives and the seaside environment.

Participants commented that they were glad that the children could enjoy picking up trash and that it was an opportunity for them to think about the environment and that the Styrofoam was so shattered that they thought it would be dangerous for animals to eat it.