Uniting for a cleaner coastline
For seven years running, Kollmorgen has teamed up with Städa Sverige for our annual Day of Caring, where we come together to clean up the beautiful beaches of Gothenburg's archipelago. From collecting plastic waste to discovering secret fishing spots from curious locals, this initiative, led by our Program Manager, Mikael Almroth, continues to leave a lasting impact on both the local community and the environment.
This year, almost 80 of us from Kollmorgen joined forces, working across different locations around Gothenburg. We collected everything from plastic bottles and old flip-flops to ropes and discarded tyres. While spending a day cleaning the coastline may seem like a simple task, the significance of our efforts goes far beyond just improving the scenery. Each piece of rubbish removed is a step toward cleaner oceans, healthier marine ecosystems, and a more sustainable future.
“We've been supporting Städa Sverige since 2017. It's a great way to give back to the community and protect the environment we all rely on. When we first started, we were astonished at how much waste we found – plastic, ropes, even cotton buds. It's motivating to see the positive impact of our work, and I believe my colleagues feel the same,“ shares Mikael.
Every year, we visit different locations around the archipelago, but we always return to Grötö, a place that has become close to our hearts since the project's launch in 2017. The transformation of Grötö's beaches over the years has been remarkable.
"When we first started cleaning Grötö, it was covered in litter. Now, after returning year after year, the difference is incredible," shares Mikael. “It's inspiring to see the tangible results of our work."
Our efforts don't just make an impact on the environment – they inspire others as well. As we work, we often receive encouraging words and smiles from passers-by, and sometimes, even a local tip or two!
"One fun memory is how curious people always are about our actions. They can clearly see the difference we're making and are so positive about it. Once, while we were at Ganlet, someone even shared a tip with me on the best spot to fish for sea trout in the spring – usually a well-kept local secret!"
The Day of Caring continues to highlight the power of community, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. Together, we are making a difference, one clean-up at a time.