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Plastic fishing in the IJ, the day after King's Day: 'Does anyone have gloves, I've got a condom here'
🇳🇱 Netherlands /Environment & Climate

Plastic fishing in the IJ, the day after King's Day: 'Does anyone have gloves, I've got a condom here'

From NRC Handelsblad · (9m ago) Dutch Positive tone

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Over 150 participants, including children, expats, and finalists from a beauty pageant, gathered in Amsterdam to remove trash from the city's canals the day after King's Day.
  • Organized by Stichting Plastic Whale, the 'Koningsvissen' event aims to clean the canals, with participants sorting waste into different bags for recycling.
  • The initiative, now in its seventeenth year, has resulted in the creation of a fleet of boats made from recycled canal plastic, highlighting a commitment to environmental cleanup and sustainability.

As reported by NRC Handelsblad, the 'Koningsvissen' event in Amsterdam, held the day after King's Day celebrations, offers a refreshing glimpse into civic engagement and environmental stewardship. The sight of over 150 people, from enthusiastic children to seasoned residents and even beauty pageant finalists, dedicating their time to cleaning the city's iconic canals is truly heartening.

I'm just going to call you number one, two, and three. It might sound unkind, but it's the best way to direct everyone while fishing; I won't remember names in such a short time.

— Kiek van den BiesenThe skipper instructing her crew on efficient waste collection.

This initiative, spearheaded by Stichting Plastic Whale, goes beyond a one-off cleanup. It's a testament to a sustained effort, now in its seventeenth year, to tackle plastic pollution directly at its source. The fact that Plastic Whale now operates a fleet of boats constructed from recycled canal plastic underscores the tangible impact of such endeavors. It transforms waste into a resource, demonstrating a circular economy model in action right in the heart of Amsterdam.

What cold!

— Beauty pageant finalistsReacting to the chilly water during the cleanup.

What makes this event particularly noteworthy is the diverse participation. It brings together various segments of society—locals, expatriates, corporate partners, and even young women participating in a beauty pageant, who see this as part of their broader training in social responsibility. This inclusivity is key; it fosters a shared sense of ownership and responsibility for the city's environment. The playful yet determined approach, with participants sorting waste into designated bags and even competing for the most unusual find, adds an element of engagement that makes environmental action both effective and enjoyable.

Keep your hands inside the boat!

— Safety instructorGiving safety instructions before the participants set out.

While the article notes the practicalities, such as the need for gloves and the chilly water, the overall sentiment is one of positive action. It’s a powerful reminder that collective effort, even in seemingly small ways, can make a significant difference. The 'Koningsvissen' is more than just a cleanup; it's a celebration of community, a commitment to sustainability, and a practical demonstration of how Amsterdamers are actively working to preserve the beauty and health of their beloved canals.

Good job!

— Skipper of a passing tourist boatEncouraging the participants during the cleanup.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by NRC Handelsblad in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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