Empowering Teams for Change: Beach Clean-up in Hong Kong with Healthy Seas and DWS
An inspiring collaboration of corporate volunteers, environmental advocates, and ocean lovers unites to clean two Hong Kong’s beaches, promoting awareness of marine pollution.
In a vibrant gathering, Healthy Seas, together with Ghost Diving Hong Kong, organized a remarkable beach clean-up event in Hong Kong on a cloudy yet comfortable 27-degree day. Participants included employees from DWS, Deutsche Bank, and their clients, totaling 28 individuals. Their goal: to make a tangible difference to the environment by removing waste from two beautiful but polluted beaches, connected by a steep and rocky path.
The clean-up event was nothing short of a success. Participants enthusiastically engaged in clearing both beaches, filling 20 large garbage bags, supplemented by buckets and bags washed ashore. Among the more surprising finds were a refrigerator, a gas cylinder, countless plastic floats, and even a big fish net. The volunteers also encountered smaller yet equally concerning items like Styrofoam in various stages of breakdown, toothbrushes, paint brushes, and single-use plastics such as food containers and forks. All this refuse serves as a stark reminder of how waste from daily life makes its way into the ocean, affecting marine ecosystems.
After an hour and a half of intense yet satisfying work, the participants had a chance to reflect on their experience and learn about the far-reaching impacts of marine pollution. As Simon Murfin, a long-time Healthy Seas ambassador from DWS, observed: “I’m very happy and honored to be a Healthy Seas ambassador, and it was great teamwork today. We did a really good job in just an hour and a half cleaning up these beaches. I’m very happy with what we did, and it was great to see everybody working together as a team.”
Another key moment was the discovery of unexpected and sometimes humorous items, which prompted discussions about their environmental effects. Vanessa Wang, Head of DWS APAC, shared her excitement: “It was an amazing day for all of us. Thirty people working together, and in just one hour, we cleaned up two beaches and gathered 20 bags of garbage, including some really interesting finds like a refrigerator and a gas tank. It was educational, funny, and a great team effort.”
Dr. Xiaofan Yu, another ambassador for Healthy Seas, played an important role in supporting the event, adding to the sense of purpose and shared mission. We would also like to thank our volunteer, Bonny, for her valuable help on the day—her contribution was deeply appreciated by all.
The day concluded with a scenic hike and a visit to historic World War II Japanese tunnels, followed by a delicious vegetarian lunch at Lamma Seafood Restaurant. This combination of teamwork, environmental action, and cultural exploration made for an unforgettable experience, which left many participants reflecting on the impact of their personal habits on marine life and the planet.
The event also highlighted the role that Healthy Seas plays in mobilizing employees from partner organizations in meaningful, impactful, and often fun activities. It’s not just about the environment; it’s about fostering teamwork, promoting environmental education, and encouraging participants to rethink their habits in their daily lives. Healthy Seas’ global presence offers a unique opportunity to involve teams from various countries, empowering ambassadors within companies like DWS to drive even greater environmental impact worldwide.
This beach clean-up in Hong Kong not only served as a local environmental effort but also as a platform for deeper reflection and learning. With strong ambassadors like Simon Murfin and the enthusiastic leadership of Vanessa, Healthy Seas continues to grow its network of corporate partners, fostering a culture of sustainability across borders. Together, we can make waves of change that ripple far beyond the shorelines.
