Since 2017, Lisbon Ferrao and his wife Zsuzsanna Salda have led Vasai Beach Cleaners, a volunteer-driven group dedicated to removing plastic and waste from the Vasai coastline near Mumbai. With over 20,000 volunteers participating, they have cleared around 850 tonnes of waste and recycled approximately 10 tonnes of plastic into sustainable products.
Their consistent efforts have inspired local communities and schools to engage in beach clean-ups and environmental awareness programmes, making a significant impact on marine conservation and local livelihoods.
From Family Concern to Community Movement
What began as a family outing in 2017 turned into a lifelong mission for Lisbon Ferrao, a marketing professional, and his wife Zsuzsanna Salda, originally from Hungary. During a beach visit with their children, they were shocked to find the shore littered with plastic bottles and waste.
Motivated to protect the environment and their children’s future, the family started collecting trash on every visit, sharing before-and-after pictures on social media. This transparency and passion sparked a community response, evolving into the formal group Vasai Beach Cleaners.
Massive Clean-Up Drives and Innovative Recycling
Vasai Beach Cleaners organise weekly Sunday clean-ups across seven beaches in Vasai, including Bhuigaon, Bena, Suruchi, and Rangaon. Volunteers collect everything from plastic bags, fishing nets, and wrappers to unusual finds like shark eggs and even a human skull, highlighting the extent of pollution.
To address the waste sustainably, the group partnered with a local shredding unit and a New Zealand NGO, Eyesea.org, to recycle plastic into paver blocks and planters. Beyond clean-ups, the group also runs tree plantations, clothes donations, and awareness programmes in schools and colleges, fostering environmental stewardship.
Impact, Challenges, and Growing Recognition
With over 20,000 volunteers engaged since inception, Vasai Beach Cleaners have removed nearly 850 tonnes of waste, significantly improving the coastline’s health and boosting local tourism. The initiative has garnered support from local authorities, the mangrove foundation, and the forest department, enabling expanded activities like pond cleaning and mangrove seedling planting.
Despite challenges such as seasonal waste surges and scepticism about recycled plastic products, Lisbon remains optimistic: “Even picking up a single piece of plastic makes a difference.” The group’s work has also led to unexpected outcomes, including a drug bust during a clean-up, underscoring the multifaceted impact of their efforts.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Vasai Beach Cleaners’ journey exemplifies how individual passion, family commitment, and community collaboration can restore natural habitats and inspire collective environmental responsibility. At The Logical Indian, we uphold that protecting our planet requires empathy, sustained action, and inclusive participation.
