Marbella Eco Amigos’ first cleanup is led by children and women

On September 20, World Cleanup Day will unite millions of people around the globe to address the global crisis of waste that is threatening our natural environments. Eco Amigos and Costa Women tackled one the most neglected areas of Trapiche Norte in Marbella. The area is a beautiful spot at the foothills La Sierra de la Nieves that has long been marred by trash.

Leading the charge is Costa del Sol resident Melissa Vaughn, and founder of Eco Amigos, frustrated by the litter—plastic bags, cigarette butts, cans, disposable vapes, and even laughing gas canisters—spoiling this scenic corner of southern Spain. Melissa Vaughn explains that they started cleaning beaches in Duquesa, Casares and other areas of southern Spain last year with a group of friends. We’re now involved in 80 initiatives throughout Spain with a core group of eco conscious volunteers. Around 3% of world’s population cleans beaches, parks and towns. “Our goal is to raise that to 5% by inspiring others to join in the restoration of the land and community we love.”

The first event of its kind in Marbella’s offshoot Eco Amigos Marbella, led by Carmen Clayton, and hosted in conjunction with Costa Women, was a women-and-children-only free cleanup, though Melissa stresses men are encouraged to come to all their other events. Beyond cleaning, the initiative also aims to increase awareness of litter and its impact. In an affluent Marbella area, dog dirt and flys are in stark contrast to its beauty. Unaware of the reason for the clean up, the local man walked past with his dog and greeted the group, but carried no bag. Melissa would like everyone to be more responsible for their local communities and the global rubbish crisis we are all facing. Eco Amigos do not protest, they set an example. Or, in Melissa’s own words, “Councils all over the world need help.” Cleaning up is not something that can be left to someone else. “We need to all clean up our own mess.”

Women and children as young three years old cleared 100 metres of land in an hour, using gloves, bags for recycling, bags for waste and long pick up clamps. More than just a cleanup, it’s about visibility—showing that even a single discarded can encourages more littering. Eco Amigos is sending a clear message: littering will not be tolerated, and collective actions can restore our treasured spaces.

The next clean-up will be on Sunday, September 21, between 9:30am and 11:30am in front of the Meollo Beach Bar located at Aldea Beach in Manilva. To register for this event and future ones, write to ecoamigos.es@gmail.com. All are welcome.

Eco Amigos is also interested in hearing from merchandising companies who can provide matching caps for the team, since the clean-up activities are all about visibility and recognising the work they do and why.