The Problem of Plastic Pollution in the Rio Motagua, Guatemala | Rivers | The Ocean Cleanup

[@strykerace]

the cleanup is only part of the solution. Stronger waste management policies and enforcement needs to be propagated world wide.

[@thankyouforyourcompliance7386]

Of course that would be much better. So why didnt it work that way in Guatemala and what do you change?

[@rvs8027]

@@thankyouforyourcompliance7386 in the netherlands we have a system for plastic bottles, if you buy a bottle you spend an addition 25 cents. if you return the bottle back you get the 25 cents back. if you gonna use that system over there people will see it as an easy way to make some money, they could really get some bucks from the river beds

[@evyedelman4297]

@@rvs8027 BRILLIANT but in the end the manufacturers need to cut back on plastic and the only way that happens is when consumer demand drops significantly. Buy glass, metal over plastic and paper ( trees) people use Styrofoam, paper plates and plastic cutlery, because they are too lazy to wash dishes at home or carry a reusable cutlery set ( beautiful travel cutlery sets online) Buy second hand whenever possible, keep things out of landfills

[@jeremiasdelnegro9036]

@@rvs8027 The thing is that Center/Latin America it's a totally different world. Poberty, corruption, politics, no basic infrastructure, companies with no trash treatment.. No inspection at all, people does't have places to drop the trash(something as basic as that). So, probably, no programs to treat trash and plastic. I'm from Argentina, so this is not new for me. I trust 100% Boyan, hope he doesn't get stuck by politics, burocracy, corruption. The problem is that big, that local authorities need to get involved in the solution.

[@udishomer5852]

@@evyedelman4297 Actually, the only way that would happen is regulation, which is already happening in developed countries. Single use plastics are being banned or scheduled to be banned in several countries. Regulation for recyclability and compostability (the ability of packages to be composted) are also implemented in some countries.

[@sharonvelasquez4568]

I'm Guatemalan and this video was really hard to watch, it brought me to tears. I feel so frustrated and heart broken knowing that this is still an issue that both the government and Guatemalan people in general don't care about! They've never cared about our rivers and oceans nor protecting our beautiful country's landscapes. So thank you The Ocean Cleanup for helping out and raising awareness, I'll be looking out for whatever initiative you come up with and will support it as much as I can

[@araelenecaletti1665]

Yes. Its up to you

[@araelenecaletti1665]

Yes. Try to get a team. Of safety officers to remove bottles from your river but you need boats engines maybe a. Ten man boat plus bags to pick up bottles. You need anout 200 men. You will need callico bags. Ans gloves boots but also speed boats. X 3 to pick up. Bottlea from. Beaches. Along guatamal. Try to get. People on weekends to clean up river and beach. Plus a TRUCK. Pray

[@annaredding]

There are horrible things like that happening all over the world. We just need to sort it all ASAP be because now it's really damaging wildlife and our own health.

[@araelenecaletti1665]

@@annaredding yes. I agree. The seals and. Fish suffer. People even. Swim in garbage. And beaches of bali dirty

[@araelenecaletti1665]

@@annaredding i think. Esp. Guatamala. Needs new direction. Beautiful forests there are birds but. The fish are suffering under. FLOATING. Beer bottles. And. Pepsi. Bottles. The fence is a fantastic start. Yez. But. Thw start is. The streets of. Guatamala. Really. The world wildlife fund or. Usa could deliver. Skip bins. They are large garbage bins for the PEOPLE OF GUATAMALA. TO. SORT. BOTTLE GLASS FROM. ALUMINIUM. THEN PLASTIC. ORANGEJUICE CONTAINER S GLASS IS VALUABLE. ESP BLUE GLASS CAN BE USED AS. FLOWER VASES. ECT. BOTTLES PLASTIC CAN BE MELTED TO. MAKE. STURDY CHAIRS. YES. I THINK APATHY IS A MAJOR PROBLEM. TO. SELF ESTEEM. AND DOING SOMETHING FOR NATURE. AUSTRALIA. . 🙄🙏🙏

[@AdRoatM]

Dumping your trash into your own water! Mindsets must also change!! God bless this Project!

[@momosaku16]

watching this reminded me of the "broken window principle". That experiment where they cleaned up a run down street with broken windows and graffiti, litter etc. And once it was clean with new windows nobody wanted to be the first person to damage it. So, as he said, for them it doesn`t make a difference if they throw in their own trash when the river is already more trash than water, but I think people would reconcider, if the river was clean.

[@deadendjack7755]

Man doesn't deserve such a beautiful planet. Thank you to all involved.

[@alvaro9mr]

As a Guatemalan, I am genuinely shocked about this and a little ashamed. Thank you for the help.

[@leob4403]

@@angellestat2730 like neoliberal governments would do any better, lol, are you serious? They will just take that corporate paycheck and run with it

[@araelenecaletti1665]

Yes. Find. 15 people collect. Some. In city

[@araelenecaletti1665]

It shows a lack of interest. In people or how fish could breathe in your dirty river

[@keangwooichoo6138]

So is your gov and people helping ?

[@araelenecaletti1665]

@@keangwooichoo6138 i. Understand. That. We need. A. GROUP. SAFETY GROUP. PLEASE I AM NO EXPERT JUST A PERSON. WORLD. CLUB NEEDED. SAFE CLUB. TO DO VOLUNTEER. IN VARIOUS PLACES. HENDERSON ISLAND ECT. OR BEACH GUATAMALA. FREE TRAVEL TO OBSERVE. THE BEACH ASSESS. MAN POWER DOES LAST. 60 PEOPLE WITH ENTHUSIASM. TO DO. BOATS AND PICK UP. BOTTLES. GLOVES BOOTS PLUS. 3 BOATS. EASY. PAID FOR BU USA

[@TakingtheTRASHOUTwithAaron]

I barely have words after viewing this video. I feel Boyan's calm approach to this catastrophe is very impressive. Here is a guy that has dedicated his life to cleaning the worlds waters and locating this planets most polluting rivers and coming up with solutions to clean them. Then standing right next to illegal dumping and massive trash piles and not losing his shit. Thank you, The Ocean Cleanup you guys and your work is so very important.

[@pickuptrash]

Great to see you here!

[@TakingtheTRASHOUTwithAaron]

@@pickuptrash Hey Pick up trash! We are brothers that is why we are in the same community!! Haha 😂

[@jeroenvkr7503]

amen to that.

[@TimeTheory2099]

In the year 2k, i was optimistic we as a family of man could come together as a planet. But watching greedy politicians and business owners not give a Damn after 22 years, what time do we have left? Maybe two more generation's before it gets so awful even the wealthy can't ignore that we've passed the point of No fixing the problems.

[@TakingtheTRASHOUTwithAaron]

@@TimeTheory2099 I remember Y2K very well. Haha The Earth is in bad shape. I am hopeful that we can still turn it around. Starting with individual conciseness and going from there. Lucky there are some good people doing good things, but they are way outnumbered! Hope is what drives me to do what little contribution I am capable of doing. Taking the Trash Out with Aaron

[@philardern6923]

This young man is a true legend in my eyes. He puts his money where his mouth is. Keep at it Boyan and make the world wake up. Thankyou for all you do

[@sofilove...20]

;(((

[@nicolaecioaca8870]

Soluția Ecohornet România.

[@xavierolsson8038]

It is truly devastating to watch this. The situation that we leave behind is not possible to express in words. I am in awe and in gratitude of the work this group is doing. Thank you

[@HolgerLovesMusic]

We? They.

[@araelenecaletti1665]

Local people. Could help

[@guybartlett9587]

Do something

[@araelenecaletti1665]

@@guybartlett9587 yes. Maybe fences. X 5. In guatamala plus pay 40 men. To help pick up. Trash to truck recycle. ALUMINIUM FOR SURE

[@nicolaecioaca8870]

Soluția Ecohornet România

[@CariveProductions]

I did a documentary on the Honduras border with this river. It was about people. They put me on a boat and took me up river to shoot some footage and I was not expecting that amount of garbage. My heart is even more broken to see this now. I was there 13 years ago and it looks like it’s gotten worse. Thank you for making this video. This needs to be a huge topic of conversation I’m Guatemala. Even your video doesn’t begin to capture the magnitude of plastic this country dumps into that river

[@Prettyfunny40]

This is shameful. A major effort needs to be done to find a new location for the city dump and to improve all the trash collection and management. Some 50+ years ago my family and I regularly visited Rio Motagua and swim in it. Something unthinkable today. This a real environmental tragedy that needs more attention by the government and all Guatemalan citizens. Thank you for providing help on this issue!

[@victormanuelgaleanochavez6420]

Que lastima que el gobierno y pueblo de Guatemala, no tengan conciencia ni vergüenza por causa este desastre en contra de la humanidad, la especie marina, fluvial y su entorno, lo triste están perjudicando los segundos arrecifes más bellos y grandes del mundo ubicados en las Islas de Roatán ubicadas al norte de Honduras, una joya en lavada en el mar caribe, un referente centroamericano de la riqueza marina y hábitat de miles especies de la flora y la fauna que le dan vida a toda esta área marina, necesaria para el balance de nuestra del ecosistema. Por favor autoridades y pueblo de Guatemala, eviten con responsabilidad este desastre.

[@stever4360]

I appreciate the idea of the collection, sorting and containment not happening here, and seem to have no capacity. Once you collect it, what do you do?and is there any safe way to incinerate in Guatemala and generate electricity? Or construction materials? Or 50 other things?

[@luketmarx]

Yes, it can definitely be fixed! The primary focus should be stopping the garbage at its source though. This is pretty sickening.

[@araelenecaletti1665]

Need a truck. Or two.

[@nicolaecioaca8870]

Soluția Ecohornet România.

[@jimbobbob9063]

What have we done to this planet. So sad. But so amazing what you and the team are doing. A massive than you. Better than all the politicians talking

[@elijahstuffs]

Yes. 100% agree. A 21 years old doing more of all politicians combined.

[@Thebonesoftrees]

We? Third world people have done this.

[@Thebonesoftrees]

@仰望汽车 YANGWAN AUTO 动态网自由门 天安門 天安门 法輪功 李洪志 Free Tibet 六四天安門事件 The Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 天安門大屠殺 The Tiananmen Square Massacre 反右派鬥爭 The Anti-Rightist Struggle 大躍進政策 The Great Leap Forward 文化大革命 The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution 人權 Human Rights 民運 Democratization 自由 Freedom 獨立 Independence 多黨制 Multi-party system 台灣 臺灣 Taiwan Formosa 中華民國 Republic of China 西藏 土伯特 唐古特 Tibet 達賴喇嘛 Dalai Lama 法輪功 Falun Dafa 新疆維吾爾自治區 The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region 諾貝爾和平獎 Nobel Peace Prize 劉暁波 Liu Xiaobo 民主 言論 思想 反共 反革命 抗議 運動 騷亂 暴亂 騷擾 擾亂 抗暴 平反 維權 示威游行 李洪志 法輪大法 大法弟子 強制斷種 強制堕胎 民族淨化 人體實驗 肅清 胡耀邦 趙紫陽 魏京生 王丹 還政於民 和平演變 激流中國 北京之春 大紀元時報 九評論共産黨 獨裁 專制 壓制 統一 監視 鎮壓 迫害 侵略 掠奪 破壞 拷問 屠殺 活摘器官 誘拐 買賣人口 遊進 走私 毒品 賣淫 春畫 賭博 六合彩 天安門 天安门 法輪功 李洪志 Winnie the Pooh 劉曉波动态网自由门

[@bjbsi]

All that global industrie done it. We dont need that shit of to have everything

[@paulagomez7983]

Me dan ganas de llorar! A la vez quiero dar las gracias a los miembros de Ocean cleanup por todo lo q hacéis.

[@jenneferclarin2697]

This should be in the news for awareness.

[@원희-p5m]

Until I saw this video, I didn't know how much plastic was drifting out into the ocean. The marine plastic problem is more important than anything else, but it seems that no one actively cares about either government. Thank you so much for trying to solve the neglected garbage that no one comes forward, but someone has to clean up. I hope that these efforts will continue and help increase awareness and participation in environmental issues. I sincerely applaud the Ocean Cleanup team, and thank you.

[@pickuptrash]

Thank you very much for what you do. As an individual there´s only so much you can do. I try my very best to clean our rivers but we need larger solutions like yours!

[@ryangeiss5587]

If you can, donate! They could roll these trash fences out much faster with more $$. :)

[@pickuptrash]

@@ryangeiss5587 Already did 👍🏻

[@pickuptrash]

@Lino Mesca Yeah!

[@thepixelw4rrior644]

Recycling is a hoax and the biggest scam ever perpetuated by man.

[@keangwooichoo6138]

Start in the bloody schools. The young people inherited this father grandfather issue. Education is important. In my country, i remembered a traveler or tourist started picking up trash at a seaside village in sabah malaysia. Most water villages do not have waste management. So he started by himself. But later he invited village children and teach them. Within months, the manual collection of rubbish worked. I am not sure after he left malaysia, what has happened there now. It is like the story of 1 man in mumbai beach.

[@The2wanderers]

It's depressing that even the proper waste management system in Guatemala City is dumping into this river. I hope that amongst the cleanup efforts, there's also something that can be done at the source to stop it from ever entering the river.

[@SundaysChild1966]

Their gov't officials in charge of this are dirty pigs - no, sorry, even my hogs aren't this dirty .. they just don't care.

[@Sindrijo]

I wouldn't exactly call it 'proper waste management' if such a large portion of it ends up in a river that it accounts for 1-3% of the entirety of plastics entering the oceans from rivers...

[@nicolaecioaca8870]

Soluția Ecohornet România

[@sungkim742]

It's call greed and not caring.

[@petedammann836]

It's called humans are worse than pigs!

[@irishillinger2476]

I love the approach of staying neutral and just trying to learn about the specific problems in the area. No judging people, no anger. Just stating the facts, why the river is polluted.

[@onewhostudies6856]

F that. I am judging and angry. This is unacceptable.

[@barryminor616]

BLISSings moving forward

[@coolmanguy2680]

That is the problem..people who don't point a finger and say this is the problem the ignorance of the people

[@nonyab3237]

@@onewhostudies6856 Absolutely, judgement is deserved. There is no excuse of ignorance here. They are clearly dumping trash directly into the river. I still appreciate the content though. Who knows what would happen to this channel if he started blaming/shaming poor people, or saying that all cultures are not the same. After travelling the world, that is clear to me. The older I get the more it appears to me that subsidies and wealth transfers to the poor may just be subsidizing pollution and the trashing of our planet.

[@guybartlett9587]

Do something

[@robertcloete189]

Incredible!!!!! The problem is the people. The mentality. They need to change. You can clean up, but they need to stop the dumping!! This is going to be a massive, massive job to just start cleaning. It is possible, but wow, what a job. Probably one of the greatest sources of ocean plastic pollution world wide

[@cake784]

I am literally crying 😢 Please keep doing this amazing job 😊

[@DuelistMandroid]

I wish I could give this guy a 15 min long hug!!!!! The world needs more people like him.

[@KJSvitko]

The world needs more environmentalists. Join in and speak up for the future of the planet.

[@araelenecaletti1665]

Thank god for BOYAN

[@grneyes4]

As far as I'm concerned, what you and your team are doing is the most important thing in the world right now. My full support is behind you...for what that's worth.

[@nicolaecioaca8870]

Soluția Ecohornet România.

[@rositaacuna4087]

Thank you for sharing this video so that the government of Guatemala should realize the problem of this waste

[@williamdewit5432]

We need different leaders, different governments. And chosing other leaders only happens with 'awakening' these present leaders are not working for good. Even if they present themselves white. They do black.

[@NiconD80]

Government cannot visit the city and take by hand all ppl who throw trash to river. First of all citizens of the city must understand that it's not OK to throw trash like this

[@cheeryochelle1717]

I have no words at how pitiful and sad that Guatemala pollutes their rivers and our oceans. Astounding. Thank you for your amazing efforts to clean up.

[@yonatanschlussel]

This is insane on an entirely different level. I have never in my life seen so much garbage. Really amazing what you guys are doing and I'll continue to support you all the way

[@sofilove...20]

;((((

[@araelenecaletti1665]

NEED OH OH. 50 PEOPKE PICK IP 20 BOTTLES. RIO. GUATAMALA

[@guybartlett9587]

Do something

[@araelenecaletti1665]

If a turtle was there how can he walk

[@spencers4121]

America is no better we just have thousands of miles of coast to hide the problem. Walk down any road and look at the sides, now times that by millions of miles of road.

[@BalboaBaggins]

This should be shown on Guatemalan TV networks.

[@lexierenard4874]

A heartfelt thanks to everyone on the Ocean Cleanup and Interceptor teams. We truly appreciate your efforts and ingenuity.

[@SevCaswell]

Unfortunatly the interceptor program is like putting a sponge on an artirial bleed, you might not be spraying blood across the room anymore, but you damn sure haven't stopped the bleeding.

[@nicolaecioaca8870]

Soluția Ecohornet România.

[@PEPLUVER1]

Am Glad that you guys got involved, is obvious thatbthe Guatemalan government doesn't have the means or the motivation to clean this river

[@carolinaalvarado8045]

Que maravillosa noticia, muchas gracias The Ocean Cleanup. Que Dios los bendiga por esa gran obra y preocupacion por el medio ambiente.

[@andreanafiem1112]

So many emotions watching this video, but the strongest is profound heartbreak. Thank you for sharing and doing the hard work.

[@darrenlinderman5079]

I work for an American dam inspection company that worked at the Las Vacas dam in 2018. While we where there my colleagues and I where all appalled by the amount of trash in the river but also the stench of raw sewage. Our translators told us that most of Guatemala City and many of the small villages dump their waste water directly into the river everyday! This river is truly a disaster that you have to see to believe. It doesn’t take long staring at the exapanses of trash in the Rio Matagua to see that the U.S.A has one of the most advanced waste treatment programs in the world. The undeveloped world doesn’t think twice about backing a garbage truck up to the river and dumping it. If you think that avoiding plastic bottles and straws in America is going to make a difference than you have to realize that this small country is dumping 10x more trash than the USA every year !! We can be the most eco conscious countries in the developed world but until we focus on the undeveloped than their trash will continue to arrive on our shores

[@araelenecaletti1665]

Yes. Focus on guatamala. For sure

[@averyjohnson8605]

Hey you guys keep at it okay? What you guys are doing is important and please don’t forget that. You guys are part of the reason I keep going out and collecting trash around my neighborhood. I watch your videos, I see what’s happening in the world and how you guys are fighting to change it and it inspires me. The inspiration that you guys have given me has actually helped to inspire a few of my fellow coworkers, who’ve recently joined me in picking up garbage throughout my neighborhood. It’s actually quite fun and we enjoy the challenge of pulling particularly stubborn pieces of trash out of the various drainage ditches and crevices. It’s satisfying in a way to know that we’re helping in some small way. However I do struggle with getting back out there sometimes, I get distressed and disheartened by the news and other life stressors and it makes me think sometimes that what I’m doing is insignificant but then you guys post another video or I dig out my Team Seas shirt from the laundry and I remember that what I do and what you all do is important and that it is worth it. So thank you for that. I will continue to support you guys in whatever ways I can and I will continue donating the bits of my paycheck that I can afford to give you all. Stay strong out there and let us know if you guys ever need anything.

[@DB-pm2vy]

Hi Avery, good on you. I used to do this down a main road every Lent before the bushes greened up and hid everything again. I tugged masses of stuff out of hedges and ditches and took an old bag carrier and left piles of bags for the bin men to take to the dump. It’s hard work and I’m too disabled now to continue but blessings on those who do and care for the world we live in.

[@nicklang7670]

Thank you for your good work and your post about doing it. I also pick up trash around my neighbourhood, it makes me feel good while I walk and try to enjoy the outdoors. One time I picked up trash when I went on my break at work to get something to eat, and I noticed the walk felt so much better going back when there was not anything to pick up and the environment did not have any trash. Knowing it was me who made it look nice felt good. It is my belief (and I think I am right about this) that people will litter more when they see litter, when the environment is clean more people notice it and the people who litter feel worse about it and feel more out of place. Litter is a compounding problem, the more litter is there the more people litter. Thanks again for your stories!

[@robbincone3339]

As they say to end it you first start with you so you are doing something good every piece of trash you gather keep going

[@nicolaecioaca8870]

Soluția Ecohornet România.

[@eleanam4835]

Boyan you’re a hero!! This is just unbelievable. Humanity really needs to have more awareness, the government should take action and protect our earth, not destroy it.

[@annamclaughlin5941]

That is one hell of a mess!! I hope it can be resolved! Maybe something to sort the garbage then make something wuth the plastic and glass???? I don't know but ??? Thank you for all you do!😊

[@gy2gy246]

Ocean Cleanup has put Interceptors on the 2 rivers.

[@matthewwillson6515]

This is heart breaking. Not enough people are seeing this. Msm all over the world should be showing people the devastation we are causing to the plant.

[@philardern6923]

I totally agree. Why do msm not put this out there to the world is beyond me. Too busy talking about climate change because there's lots of money to be made discussing that subject but no money to be made cleaning up our rivers and oceans

[@etiennen4136]

All the billions spend on militaries and boms can solve this 1000 times over

[@AG-io5wr]

I don't know what "us" you're referring to but it's the ones that are contaminating the natural environment that are to blame.

[@nicolaecioaca8870]

Soluția Ecohornet România.

[@PixiePeachPomme]

The earth is sick and it needs a chance to heal. Thank you for your tireless efforts to help this precious planet, it is after all, the only one we have 🙏

[@CorvetteAustin24]

"Holy shit" is extremely accurate and powerful. I felt the same way. Can't wait to see what your team is able to accomplish here.

[@Evelynmay88]

There are no words to Thankyou for what you do for us all over the world. We share the same planet and this is a reminder of how terrible we are at caring for it. Our wasteful and disposable mindset. Thankyou

[@ianuragaggarwal]

You are god sent Boyan. I can binge watch cleanup videos 😊

[@TravisRichey]

This is tragic. I thought it was bad when i went to Hawaii and saw all the plastic trash on the north shore, but this is on a completely unfathomable scale. I am so grateful for you and your passion for this work. It inspires me to live more minimally. ~Trav

[@araelenecaletti1665]

I think. Use some warehouses in. Guatamala. For storage of plastic set up. MAKES BRICKS FOR GUATAMALA TURN PLASTIC INTO BRICKS

[@fedecano7362]

Don't go to Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Thailand, Indonesia then, cause every single beach is covered in plastic. Don't believe me, just go to a secluded spot where it could be paradise for it's own right and see how it looks. If somebody cleans anything is because it's on a turist spot, beyond that nothing is pristine. My last trip to Sri Lanka, same deal...

[@araelenecaletti1665]

Yes. I think. I have seen guatamala on. U tube. The. Greenies. Who live there must act now. With boats. On their beaches. Look at their creeks. Or. Pick up. In large bags takes to. Recycle center

[@araelenecaletti1665]

@@fedecano7362 thanks for information

[@nicolaecioaca8870]

Soluția Ecohornet România.

[@Mybeardog]

I have much respect for folks that work on problems at ground zero instead of from some office in Washington DC. Great work. People fix problems , not politicians.

[@araelenecaletti1665]

Hope we could get. PAID CLEANERS. ASAP

[@alyssa2796]

My boyfriend was adopted out of guatemala as a baby and i want to go back with him so badly to see his roots but it breaks my heart seeing this, knowing his mom and half siblings still live with this, me and him get to swim in a beautiful pristine river, and they get this.

[@normlor]

IT'S INCREDIBLE HOW LITTLE RESPECT MILLIONS HAVE FOR THEIR OWN COUNTRIES!!

[@kiha6702]

It's heart breaking to see people in this day and age still using rivers as garbage dumps.😢 This man is a saint😇 Thank you for all your work🙏

[@jackyou3145]

These people are very poor. Get them out of poverty and they will care more about their environment.

[@NiconD80]

​@jackyou3145 that's still not an excuse. You can live poor and have your house and surrounding area clean. They are just lazy and think that someone else will take care of all trash

[@kristinvleone]

This needs more attention. Millions of people need to open their eyes to this global problem.

[@pippigreenheart]

I live at the beach in Ecuador and we see illegal dumping of construction materials along the roads all the time. And dogs wander the streets breaking open trash bags and leaving the trash along the roads as well. Trash trucks arrive too late if the dogs have gotten there first. Pets are not kept indoors, dogs are seen more as security and live unleashed outside. Thank you for this video and all the work you are doing! Love those recycled sunglasses ❤

[@guybartlett9587]

Clean it up

[@araelenecaletti1665]

Its difficult

[@pippigreenheart]

@@guybartlett9587 I can't lift concrete blocks.

[@bmac8749]

That is one of the most stunning things I have ever seen in my life. At this moment I am just...I mean...I guess I am just speechless. Such a tragedy on many, many...many...levels. All I can say is bless The Ocean Cleanup for doing their part to raise awareness for local and global action.

[@StefaniaCauli]

Are there any projects to raise awareness among the population and sort the origin of the problem with the authorities? This absolutely devastating to see, especially knowing how much work and effort it takes to clean it up. But it's not enough, we as humans have to stop this sickening process of throwing plastic and garbage in the nature. Looking forward to seeing your updates and will keep supporting you❤

[@bereal7266]

How does this channel not have at least a couple million subscribers? You guys are doing bigger and better things for this world

[@dottormoggi]

This guy it’s a TRUE HERO! he truly mean it ! He almost cried when he saw all the devastating desolation of this environment …he can barely talk…but he still stand up because he knows there is a lot work to do but the enemy it’s not invincible (even if he looks like so). He still stand. He will forever.

[@araelenecaletti1665]

Yes. Respect for the. Environment. Creeks. River

[@ryanzacsanders]

we can do this together! Thanks Bojan for starting the Ocean cleanup and finding the right people to work with you, finding us who spread the message and invested early on. very very well done!

[@lizbilson6602]

OMG! This is nothing short of horrific. 😟 Watching this video I just could not believe my eyes nor could I stop shaking my head as I kept thinking 'where do you start with a clean up of this magnitude?' Boyan and his team are unbelievable and take such a calm and logic approach to all that they are doing and personally I so believe in their quest for cleaner oceans and waterways throughout the world. The work The Ocean Cleanup doing is AMAZING and whilst I will always do my little bit in trying to make the world a cleaner place generally, I applaud and thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you are acheiving. 😊

[@araelenecaletti1665]

Ues yes. I needed. A sort of trash bag. But. Not in. Guatamala. You feel. The people must care

[@araelenecaletti1665]

Maybe clean beaches. With 20 paid. People

[@nicolaecioaca8870]

Soluția Ecohornet România.

[@mareikewenzel8670]

Thank you for doing this incredible and amazing and important work!

[@agaala33]

No cleaning will suffice if they don't start recykling garbage in the cities. Ocean Cleanup can work all their lives, 24/7 and if it keeps going, there'll be neverending tsunami of this misery. I feel for all the poor animals suffocating or dying of hunger with stomachs full of plastic and this is so utterly depressing. Thank God for your projects, work, ideas and devotion. Love 💓

[@kevinpark8779]

I volunteered in Guatemala for a month as a teen developing schools. One of my most vivid memories was the amount of litter everywhere - creeks, rivers, roadside etc...(a pretty sad memory). Haven't littered since(not that I was a litterbug before the trip). You need to experience/see this in person to understand how bad it really is. Gut-wrenching. I pick up all the trash I can on my daily dog walks @ ocean beach in SF. Remember everyone can help solve this problem(even you), just pick up some gross trash and carry it until you can find a trash can :) it's that simple.

[@brbpen]

Except that is not the end. You put it in a trash bin and say, "there problem solved". The reality is the problem isn't the trash being on the floor, it is the fact that there is the disposable trash item to begin with. The worlds plastic waste problem won't be solved until we get rid of disposable plastic waste which is basically hard since it is such an intricate part of modern society. You buy a gallon of milk; it comes with a "disposable" plastic bottle that will end up in a landfill (if it makes it there) or in the ocean as microplastics. Of course, there is recycling but that hasn't solved our problems. Just my two cents.

[@keangwooichoo6138]

May i ask, is it a poor country like haiti?

[@keangwooichoo6138]

The problem can be solved by ending plastic usage. I wish the plastic inventor can see it from his grave.

[@sahniameliamyres5199]

@@keangwooichoo6138 not really but, for people that live here it is "easier" to just ignore the problem rather than look at the damage its causing and try to help, it all comes right back to money.😐

[@carstenrebbe9450]

These pictures are just mindblowing.. I don´t know what to say...

[@mcimon91]

That's one heck of an undertaking you have waiting for you! Thank you to you and your devoted team for saving our oceans and rivers from plastic!!👍👍👍

[@BAdventures]

Have to identify the problem first. Now they're finding solutions. Very good coverage and cleanup work. Just keep going 👍

[@Crystal-ux3ki]

So amazing what you have done! Thank you for sharing and bless you and the crew for your efforts!

[@natashagilbert3]

Oh my gosh that’s so heartbreaking. I know you’ll figure out how to fix it. But wow. Just wow.

[@georgemale2085]

What else can be said. Absolutely heartbreaking. Not only is education needed, enforcement is required to stub out the blatant corruption & disregard for the planet. Somebody needs to draw the attention of this to the Earth Prize adjudicators.

[@Linda-cc7uy]

Loads of education and the corporations who produce packaging have to be held responsible for a way to recycle or to collect their garbage by the end of its product life.

[@araelenecaletti1665]

Show it to newzealand and canada

[@nicolaecioaca8870]

Soluția Ecohornet România.

[@williammcduff6531]

Boyan, Kudos to you on keeping level headed during this video. Odds are I would have gone balistic in the same circumstances.

[@joseraz-guzmancastro6946]

¡Gracias!

[@philipjohnson2608]

Boyan my brother. No words can thank you enough for all you have done and all you are trying to do. Your an angel and already one of the greatest creations of man ever born on earth. Its so Sad beyond words. In yet we never give up believing things will get better.

[@maxwalsh234]

awesome to see people out there making a difference!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheSpringMood]

Depressing that humans are causing this destruction of the earth. Thank you Boyan for all the time and dedication that you put in to this. You are heroic in my view.

[@nicolaecioaca8870]

Soluția Ecohornet România.

[@leannmckeown5608]

I wish this had Spanish subtitles or voice over so I could share it with my Guatemalan friends

[@BalboaBaggins]

The video kind of speaks for itself doesn't it.

[@undercomposition]

there are auto translate subtitles. Not sure how good they are but they are probably good enough.

[@wanshwanshen3835]

Thank you Ocean CleanUp ❤

[@lisadavis3658]

You're amazing and brilliant. Keep up the good work. Thanks to all in this unbelievable effort. Your faith in the restoration of this river gave some comfort and understanding after watching the video.

[@maxwalsh234]

so happy to see people on the front line making a difference!!!!

[@tommyb8154]

This is utterly terrifying on so many levels! Thank you Boyan, please keep up the epic work you are doing!

[@alejandrarobu2006]

Thank you Boyan for giving visibility on all these problems but above all, coming up with solutions. We should all help at any level (picking up trash from our neighborhood, reducing level of plastics, recycle, etc).

[@nicolaecioaca8870]

Soluția Ecohornet România.

[@ecorubbishremovalbrisbane]

This is a stark reminder of the urgent need for global action on plastic pollution.

[@Derpster2493]

Thanks

[@woocheongan1437]

Plastic pollution is very serious in various countries. Although it brings a lot of convenience to our lives, plastic waste is difficult to degrade and will continue to exist in the environment for hundreds of years. So I hope more people can use recyclable materials and jointly protect our environment

[@HinaSunniva]

Watching this video brought tears. Feel embarrassed to be part of the human species. That individual who is trying to clean up deserves my utmost respect

[@araelenecaletti1665]

Yes yes. Mr. BOYAN SLAT. IA HELPING HE USES A. MACHINE CALLED. INTERCEPTOR

[@sleepy4149]

Maybe thanos is right

[@nicolaecioaca8870]

Soluția Ecohornet România.

[@tabby73]

Wow I have no words ... didn't know it was that bad. Just shocking absolutely shocking. Thank you for spreading awareness and working on solutions to this mess 🙏🏻

[@nicolaecioaca8870]

Soluția Ecohornet România.

[@alexsaraceno6144]

Can we get a follow-up video on what that river area at the beginning of the video looks like now ? I didn't even know it was a river until he said something. That was insane. I would love to see what that looks like now. Or maybe a 2 year follow up to really to really see how far it's come.

[@lesmith939]

I am so happy that a young man like you has shown the initiative to start working on this problem. I hope more men and women join in to help clean up our rivers and oceans and eventually find a solution to the waste problem. With motivation and skills like you have, you could have started a for profit business and become the next billionaire. Due to your selflessness and the understanding of our planet and it's problems you have, instead, driven the planet and it's inhabitants to a cleaner and safer world. Thank You and those you work with. We owe you our debt and gratitude.

[@Gdog69m]

Clean ups are great but these communities need investment into small scale waste incineration to stop the flow of trash from their land fills. Incineration for power generation is not a perfect solution, but if power generators were able to pay people to collect trash to turn into power, that river would be clean and stay clean.

[@turnerg]

That is the key here, the issue is getting someone with enough capital to invest in that infrastructure and then you have to prevent it from being corrupted which is all but impossible even if it was a country like the US or UK stepping in, there is still corruption potential. The only solution seems to be ending plastic manufacturing which will never happen without a viable replacement.

[@HvV8446]

@@turnerg plastic is like modern asbestos, its just that its harmful for the environment and animals but not for humans. At least short term. Have been hearing an awful lot about microplastics nowadays.

[@margaretstanton7567]

@@turnerg Yes, "ending plastic manufacturing"!! Why aren't there viable replacements at this late date?? Rovers on Mars, giant telescopes in outer space, millions of geniuses sitting around figuring out how to improve a smart phone or Facebook or Google--and we can't come up with non-toxic packaging?? Priorities!

[@turnerg]

@@margaretstanton7567 there are, hemp can be made into plastic, i dont know why it isnt being used more

[@margaretstanton7567]

@@turnerg I imagine all kinds of grasses could be utilized and bamboo maybe.

[@aph757]

The team is doing important work! Please keep at it, thank you for all you do.

[@Anberel]

One of the best things about this organization is that they don’t artificially limit the scope of their mission. They could have said they’re Ocean Cleanup so they’re going to focus on what’s in the ocean already. Instead they’re continually expanding the scope of their program as they learn more about the problem.

[@el_micha]

It is the big picture! To really tackle the ocean plastic problem we need to attack it earlier on. Rivers bring a lot of trash to the ocean, and before that trash enters the river. To me it makes perfect sense to address rivers also! And talking to municipalities and educating people as well as supporting solutions for them to change trashing habits. It is a system

[@martingray6275]

Unbelievable to see it finally 'up close' like you present it here. I lived, worked, travelled all over Guate, Belize and other parts of Centro-Am for a number of years, and even heard about this infamous 'river' that vomits such waste to the sea... And I recall the first time I drove to Dangriga beach areas in Belize (ie just up the Caribbean coast a little) and was so shocked at what I saw (ie NO sand.. just acres of plastic).. I probably blamed Belize... but perhaps now I can be more informed...

[@funnywolffarm]

Makes me wonder in a situation this intense, if having stationary drift-catchers send their catch horizontally (via conveyors/etc) to land-based dumpsters on either side of a given waterway might greatly increase efficiency overall. Surely there is still the question of 'what to properly do with the waste' but even simple solutions must be better than letting it run through.

[@unsolvedmystery1111]

When I was in the Caribbean a few years ago, I saw a seaweed tractor collecting seaweed. I wonder if it would be possible to make or have an ambitious boat tractor that could go along the shores in places like this in need and sweep it up collect it and bring it back to Guatemala. Also curious it they could install a catch collector across the entry mouth where the river meets the ocean. Truly sad documentary but I am so glad you are shining a light onto this world problem and making people aware of it. Thank you & great job! 👍 I was suggesting in another video that they take all that plastic and grind it up and turn it into insulation to keep homes cool or warm. If you think about rats use it to make a home insulated why not humans across the world. Insulation that could be reused over and over in all sorts of things from cars to houses. It would work!

[@RadamesAida2Operalovers]

Yes. They can do that. But they have to plug the hole first.

[@Punky260]

From my simple perspective, it seems like the "easiest" way would be, to start collecting the trash that gathers at the hydropower station, before it is washed away. It is a single point of concentration and you already have (heavy) structures in place on which you could build or utilize upon. I'm very interested in seeing the solution(s) you guys will come up with :) Also: Are you also supporting and working with projects that reduces the plastic production and waste management? Sounds like it would make the most sense to tackle the problem on both ends

[@theoceancleanup]

The Interceptor Trashfence was our pilot project to tackle the trash situation in Guatemala. We are currently analyzing the data to develop a more mature solution. Learn more about the pilot project here: theoceancleanup.com/updates/the-ocean-cleanup-trials-new-interceptor-in-worlds-most-polluting-river/ The river plastic captured by the Interceptors does not belong to us. We work closely with the local operators and review waste management plans, helping to identify and mitigate potential risks. Our work still continues so please stay tuned!

[@tsh9513]

Are you forgetting the people dumping the trash? Their government needs to step up and make this illegal and give them solutions

[@Trixtah]

I would say that a pretty immediate step should be resiting the landfill so it's not right on top of a major river leading to the ocean. Of course, the garbage already dumped in there will still make its way down the river for years, so interception would be needed too. Plus, one would hope, remediating the current site so the trash can't wash out, and supporting the riverside communities in reducing waste and providing better waste disposal options locally. All that would require political will, though.

[@klarwitter0015]

It is unimaginable how a situation can escalate to this level. I would love to see a new kind of project from you where you work together with locals to tackle the issue at the source. To establish real recycling and close the main tap that way. Then the second step is to remove all existing trash and help to start an educational journey ...

[@araelenecaletti1665]

The beach. Has the trash

[@russperman5781]

I continue to send money when I can to Ocean Cleanup and God Bless them for what they're doing. They're always grateful and have never asked me for another dime. As gently as I can say it; if these filthy polluted rivers and ocean bother you, "your support" should be more than cheering them onward, give what $$$ you can, since every dollar counts. Many, many people that work with Ocean CleanUp are volunteers. Together with OC, we can clean this planet of plastic, but it takes people AND money to do it.

[@kathleenboggan6616]

These poor people, they have never been taught better. What can be done to teach them now? Thank you for trying.😔❤

[@zyxw2000]

It's the Guatemalan government's fault. There's no regular trash pickup, they ignore illegal dumping, and they don't regulate their landfills, the way we do in the US.

[@GayestWinston]

It's so important that we clean this up. Keep up your work OC and this will get better

[@alexishernadez8100]

It is so sad to watch this , i still remember when i swim in the rio motagua when i was 7 years old , and i hate the fact that our government doesn't do anything to resolve this situation.

[@perlaleticiaguardadogonsal5263]

Este joven merece un premio por esta gran labor sin duda estoy sorprendida por el pero más por las cantidades de plástico es demasiado como pueden llegar a ese extremo es muy triste lo que está pasando ojalá tomen medidas para evitar una catástrofe , como humanos no deberíamos actuar así gracias cleanup por ayudar con este gran problema mundial.

[@nicolaecioaca8870]

Soluția Ecohornet România.

[@larswillsen]

As an Inuk (Inuit), witnessing this is horrifying for all of us, and indeed for the entire world - a stark visual representation of greed.

[@donaldlittle7870]

Speechless 😢

[@zimrasawyer1881]

Give @tropicaloceancleanup a shoutout for what one man has done for an island in the phillipines...one guy, all by himself has educated and built plastic catching dams at all the canal mouths.. he should be given as an example of what even one person alone can do.

[@ac408]

The whole scenario is just so disheartening. How people on this planet are so mindless and ruining their exo system while the lower organisms are only contributing towards the sustenance. These guys are amazing!

[@boltonky]

I can see why Mark Robber said its mostly to do with education for the people. The Governments + Organisations need to then regulate and control the garbage system better and punish people + businesses who don't follow the rules. Thanks for everything you do and hope we get to that point where its not needed or at least only in small scale.

[@araelenecaletti1665]

Yes. Have 4 collection ware houses for glass.

[@royfeely7145]

It’s so easy for the advanced western nations to judge these countries. Poverty means environmental issue are not high on the list of concerns. Without facing health, hunger and financial stability issues around the globe we will not resolve pollution or climate change.

[@imnotthatmatt6524]

6:12 "This is how the river is supposed to look like. Completely clean. No trash down here. So this is the future of the Rio Motagua." I really appreciate the word choice here. You could have described it as the river's past, before all the pollution and dumping, but only an optimist with a plan would call it the river's future.