World Cleanup Day 2025 is taking place on Saturday, September 20th. This year, the global movement turns its spotlight on a growing environmental threat textile and fashion waste.
At Suzuki Marine, our commitment to the Clean Ocean Project goes beyond engines and boats — it’s about protecting the very waters we navigate and addressing all sources of pollution. The ocean is our home, and it’s under siege from pollution, much of it stemming from the textile items. From synthetic microfibers to discarded clothing, textile waste is infiltrating our waterways and harming marine life.
👗 Why Focus on Textile Waste?
The fashion industry is a significant contributor of global carbon emissions and produces 92 million tons of waste annually. Much of this waste ends up in landfills or, worse, in our oceans. Synthetic fabrics like polyester shed microplastics that are nearly impossible to remove once they enter marine ecosystems. But the problem isn’t just production — it’s overconsumption. Fast fashion encourages people to buy more than they need, often chasing trends that change every season. Many consumers own multiple versions of the same item, contributing to unnecessary waste.
🌍 How You Can Take Action This World Cleanup Day
Whether you're a coastal dweller, a boater, or simply someone who cares about the planet,
Here are five impactful ways you can get involved:
1. Buy Less, Choose Well
Before buying new clothes, ask yourself: Do I really need this? Reducing consumption is the most effective way to cut down on textile waste. Choose timeless, durable pieces over trendy, disposable fashion.
2. Join a Local Cleanup Event
Participate in organized cleanups along beaches, rivers, or urban areas. Suzuki Marine teams across Southern Africa will be hosting and supporting events — bring your friends, family, and community!
3. Declutter Responsibly
Instead of buying new clothes, give perfectly good garments a second life by passing them on. Sort through your wardrobe and donate gently used clothing to local charities or textile recycling centers. Avoid throwing clothes in the trash — they often end up in landfills or waterways.
4. Choose Sustainable Fashion
Support brands that use eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices. Look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX.
5. Wash Smarter
Use a microfiber-catching laundry bag or filter to reduce microplastic pollution from synthetic clothes. Wash less frequently and at lower temperatures to minimize shedding.
6. Raise Awareness
Inspire others to take action too and share your cleanup efforts on social media using hashtags like: #WorldCleanupDay2025, #SuzukiCleanOcean,and #TextileWasteChallenge.
Suzuki Marine’s Commitment
Through the Suzuki Clean Ocean Project, we continue to:
- Promote microplastic collection devices on our outboard motors.
- Support community-led cleanups across Southern Africa.
- Educate boaters and marine enthusiasts on sustainable practices.
This World Cleanup Day, let’s unite to protect our oceans — not just from plastic, but from the hidden threat of textile waste. Every action counts, and together, we can make waves of change.
Read more on world clean up day here: https://www.facebook.com/worldcleanupday.global 
