In Zhejiang province in the Chinese mainland, a crew of retired fishermen – on average over 60 – are making waves in marine conservation. Once reliant on the ocean for their livelihood, they've turned their deep-sea know-how to a new mission: cleaning up the coast.
Through a network of collection stations known as 'Little Blue Houses', these guardians of the sea gather plastic bottles, ghost nets, and other debris washed ashore. To date, they've processed an astonishing 16,000 tons of marine waste – proof that small, community-led actions can tackle global challenges.
Scattered along the shoreline, each 'Little Blue House' serves as a coastal checkpoint, intercepting trash before it drifts back into the water. By integrating retired fishermen into the solution, the project bridges traditional knowledge with modern sustainability goals, generating positive ripple effects across the region.
This initiative showcases how hands-on community efforts can inspire thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and young travelers alike. As the world seeks scalable models for environmental protection, the 'Little Blue Houses' remind us that real impact often starts at home – one piece of waste at a time.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
