Volunteers from the Canary Green rolled up their sleeves at Playa de Ajabo in Callao Salvaje, south Tenerife, on Saturday (25th July) for another successful beach clean-up, removing everything from microplastics to an abandoned car engine in a day that highlighted both the beauty and the challenges facing Tenerife's coastline.

Although organisers had expected around 50 volunteers, the intense summer heat meant 25 committed people turned out to take part. Their efforts proved that dedication matters more than numbers, with everyone playing an important role in restoring the beach and surrounding area.

Young Volunteers Inspire Hope

One of the day's highlights was the number of children who took part. Seeing young people actively collecting litter and learning about protecting the environment was, organisers say, one of the most rewarding aspects of the event.

Canary Green says its beach cleans are about much more than removing rubbish. "Our aim isn't simply to clean the beach," the group explained. "It's about changing behaviour, raising awareness and encouraging people to make more environmentally conscious choices."

By getting hands-on with the waste that pollutes Tenerife's coastline, volunteers gain a better understanding of the impact everyday actions can have on the environment.

Illegal Dumping Discovered in Ravine

While volunteers cleared litter from both the beach and the sea, including cigarette butts, bottle tops and microplastics, the biggest shock came just inland in the nearby barranco.

Hidden among dense vegetation, the team uncovered what appeared to be an illegal dumping site containing large household items and other waste.

Among the objects removed were:

• A full-sized bathtub
• Microwave ovens and televisions
• Clothes drying racks
• Household chairs
• Suitcases
• Indoor light fittings
• An entire car engine

The discovery highlights the growing problem of illegal dumping in Tenerife. Ravines and barrancos are important natural waterways, and during periods of heavy rain, discarded waste can be washed directly into the sea, causing further environmental damage.

Community Support Makes It Possible

After several hours of hard work in the sun, volunteers were rewarded with a sponsored paella provided by L'Osteria, the beachfront restaurant at Playa de Ajabo.

Canary Green also thanked MYND Hotels for supporting the initiative and promoting sustainable tourism, while Ocean Beer kept volunteers refreshed throughout the day.

Special thanks were also given to photographer Michelle, who documented the clean-up and captured the efforts of everyone involved.

Looking Ahead

Canary Green says the success of the Playa de Ajabo clean-up is another reminder that protecting Tenerife's environment requires community effort and long-term commitment.

While the beach is cleaner today, organisers stress that there is still plenty of work to do. Through regular clean-up events, education and community involvement, they hope to inspire lasting change and encourage more people to play their part in keeping the island's coastline clean.

Anyone interested in joining future events or supporting Canary Green's environmental projects is encouraged to follow the organisation on social media or sign up for its newsletter.