On this significant World Cleanup Day, observed on September 15, 2023, Delta Netherlands colleagues, driven by a deep sense of environmental stewardship, joined forces with the Plastic Whale organization to undertake a mission of cleansing the historic Amsterdam Canals. These canals, imbued with cultural and historical significance, serve as a captivating reflection of the city's ambiance. However, they grapple with a pervasive challenge – plastic and litter pollution, posing a threat to marine life and the delicate ecosystem.
With a profound sense of purpose and determination, our team embarked on their mission from Waterkant-Amsterdam, where they engaged with Skippers, immersing themselves in the organization's mission. Delving into the significance of recycling, they learned about the detrimental effects of plastics on marine life and ecosystems, embracing the purpose behind our collective initiative. Organized into groups, they boarded boats with their respective skippers, who underscored the urgency of their mission. The skippers explained that the plastics in the canals eventually break down into microplastics, infiltrating the food chain of fish and birds, and ultimately polluting the waterways that lead to the sea. Setting sail, they initiated the cleanup effort, navigating the canals with a heightened awareness of the environmental challenges they aimed to address.
In a strategic effort to enhance the engagement and camaraderie during the canal cleanup, we curated a congenial competition. This initiative aimed to inspire and motivate our teams to excel in collecting the highest volume of waste and uncovering the most intriguing items concealed within the canals. As a testament to their dedication and teamwork, two distinguished teams emerged as the champions of this friendly competition, showcasing the exceptional commitment of our collective efforts.
In a mere two-hour timeframe, our colleagues amassed a staggering amount of waste, underscoring the gravity of the problem:
• 3 green bags of PET bottles
• 4.5 yellow bags of cans
• 5 garbage bags of general waste
• 3 garbage bags of other plastics
• 17 pieces of glass
This endeavor not only offered a platform to contribute to our community and the city of Amsterdam but also solidified stronger bonds among our colleagues, creating lasting memories of teamwork and camaraderie. Our sincere gratitude extends once again to all participants, and we eagerly anticipate organizing more initiatives in the coming years!
Delta EMEA maintains its unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility, persisting in spearheading initiatives aimed at creating a positive and enduring impact in the communities we serve.