World Clean Up Day: Volunteers Clean Up Cala Gamba

This Saturday: clearing litter from Cala Gamba

The small waves lap against the breakwater, seagulls circle above the harbour and you can repeatedly hear the clatter of bicycle baskets: that's how a morning in Palma sounds — and this Saturday other sounds join in. Instead of the usual beach-lounger conversations you hear the rustle of bin bags and friendly calls: 'Does anyone have a grabber?'. For World Clean Up Day the local group FAN Mallorca will meet at 9:30 AM at the Club Náutico in Cala Gamba to clean the beach, dunes and access routes.

Who can participate?

In short: everyone. Families with children, neighbours, students, holidaymakers who care about order — as long as children are accompanied by adults. The atmosphere is relaxed; often a little chat about found items follows the work: from lost beach toys to the surprisingly common cigarette filter that seems to be a permanent, inconspicuous guest in the sand. Organisers ask participants to wear weatherproof clothing and sturdy shoes; gloves, rubbish bags and litter pickers are usually provided, but bringing your own gloves is never a bad idea.

On-site practical information

The meeting point at the Club Náutico is right by the water – getting there by bus or bike is straightforward, parking is scarce at weekends. Bring enough water and apply sunscreen: the Mediterranean September sun is milder than in high summer but can still be quite strong. The action usually takes two to three hours, depending on the number of participants and the finds.

It's not just about tidying up: there will be brief information on proper waste separation and tips on how to avoid plastic in everyday life. A practical tip from the organisers: pack a bag for recyclables and one for general waste. Much can be separated if you take a few minutes — which makes disposal easier for everyone afterwards.

Registering and taking part

Those who wish to participate can register online; this helps with material planning and team allocation. The registration link can be found here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZs9tIuOoVRo-_pYJz1kxoIx7u-cHFHJSyvclg7KDjr5Qwnw/viewform. Last-minute participants are usually welcome as well – just arrive a little earlier and check in with the helpers.

A small tip: if possible, take reusable water bottles and a small box for found items. Some things can be repaired or passed on, others belong in special waste. And yes: it really feels good to leave the promenade cleaner than you found it.

These actions are more than just rubbish-collecting hours. They build neighbourhood, bring people of different ages together and raise awareness of how much avoidable waste ends up on our beaches every day. An afternoon walk along Cala Gamba afterwards can feel a bit calmer — less rustling of plastic bags, more room for the sea breeze and conversation.

If you have time on Saturday and would like to get involved: come by. It's an easy, direct way to do something for the island — and you might meet nice people with whom you can walk further along the coast next time.