FedEx Taiwan Volunteers Pull 221kg of Trash from Beach

When 55 FedEx volunteers arrived at Linkou North Jetty Beach in Taiwan on August 15, they found exactly what ocean currents had been delivering for months: plastic bottles, abandoned fishing nets, and debris that told stories of our throwaway culture. By the end of the morning, they'd hauled away 221 kilograms of marine trash.

This marks the second year FedEx has partnered with RE-THINK Environmental Education Association to protect Taiwan's coastline. The event brought together employees and their families, turning a workday into a chance to give back during FedEx Purple Week's "Day of Service."

Before hitting the sand, volunteers joined an online session on "Life Cycle Thinking" to understand how everyday purchases end up in the ocean. Then the real education began as they sorted through what they found, identifying microplastics and unusual debris that most people never see.

The cleanup included friendly competitions like the "Unusual Marine Debris Challenge" and "Microplastic Rapid Screening Challenge." These games helped families spot pollution that's often invisible to the naked eye while building teamwork skills.

Linkou North Jetty Beach faces constant pressure from ocean currents and river flows that deposit plastic waste along the shore. The hands-on experience gave volunteers direct insight into where marine litter comes from and how it affects coastal ecosystems.

Paul Sousa, Managing Director of FedEx Taiwan, emphasized how the event honors founder Frederick W. Smith's legacy of service. "It is especially encouraging to see our team members taking part with their families, integrating environmental responsibility into their daily lives," he said.

The Ripple Effect

RE-THINK has been turning concern into action since 2013. The organization has hosted more than 200 beach cleanups, mobilized over 90,000 volunteers, and removed more than 330 tons of marine debris from Taiwan's shores.

The impact extends beyond the 221 kilograms removed in one morning. FedEx encouraged participants to reduce plastic use and make environmentally conscious choices at home, multiplying the cleanup's effect across dozens of households.

Jason Huang, founder of RE-THINK, sees these collaborations as crucial for lasting change. Through hands-on activities, families gain deeper understanding of marine debris and feel inspired to shift their daily habits.

One beach at a time, these volunteers are proving that environmental progress happens when people show up together.