Po Chu Tam is located in Tai O, in the western part of Lantau Island, Hong Kong. Due to its geographical location and circulating ocean currents, marine refuse accumulates there year-round, making it a key beach cleanup site for the Environmental Protection Department.

The most common trash along the shoreline consists of food and beverage packaging. Because plastic products are difficult to decompose, they break down into plastic fragments or tiny microplastics under the impact of sea waves. These microplastics are ingested by marine life and eventually enter the human body through the food chain. Marine trash not only harms the ecosystem but also contaminates water resources—a vicious cycle that must not be underestimated. To kick off the event, public welfare partner "Greeners Action" introduced the origins and impacts of marine litter. After distributing cleanup supplies and providing detailed sorting guidelines, MEAN WELL's eco-warriors put on gloves, picked up tongs and tools, and scattered across Po Chu Tam to begin the beach cleanup.

To everyone's surprise, scattered glass shards were buried among the sand and rock crevices on the beautiful beach, prompting volunteers to shout warnings to watch their step. The amount of plastic trash on the beach was overwhelming. Beyond quantifiable items like plastic bottles and utensils, there was a vast amount of plastic fragments, echoing Greeners Action's earlier introduction to microplastics.

On the day of the event, the weather was stiflingly humid due to an approaching typhoon, accompanied by sporadic heavy rain. Undeterred by the sweltering heat, the volunteers worked relentlessly under the blazing sun, picking up trash even faster during breaks in the rain. MEAN WELL team members could be seen all across Po Chu Tam, united in their determination to complete the mission before the rain returned.

During the Tai O Beach Clean-Up Day, the MEAN WELL team collected a total of 96 kilograms of marine waste, including plastic bottles, wrappers, fishing nets, and a large quantity of glass shards. Based on feedback from the volunteers, the educational briefing helped them understand the causes and impacts of marine litter. By witnessing the sheer volume of trash firsthand and actively participating in the cleanup, they gained a deeper understanding of the severe pollution caused by plastic products. MEAN WELL's message during the event—promoting environmental protection and plastic reduction starting with oneself, such as avoiding single-use plastics and not littering while outdoors—was deeply ingrained in the hearts of all participants.
 
Environmental protection is crucial, but solving marine pollution at its root requires starting with our own habits and reducing waste at the source. MEAN WELL hopes to join forces with its partners to practice "Leave No Trace" in nature, protect our shared home, and safeguard the ocean through concrete action!