Story time; The ocean isn’t your dumpster!

By Haniya Fatemah Kharal

It was yet another boring day of the summer break — with the usual power cut, heat wave and buzzing flies.

As it was the weekend, my friends had come over to my place to spend time chilling together. So we had sat down for a game of Sequence, and just as I was about to win, the lights went out, leaving us grumbling and groaning.

And so there we were, lying on the couch, slouching on a cushion or staring at the ceiling. The only fan “working” on the UPS was roaring like an army jet plane, but moving at a snail’s pace.

The heat was sizzling, scorching and dreadful — in short, unbearable. We were sweating awfully and it seemed we would evaporate altogether. I was lying in such a manner that half of my body was on the couch and the other half was dangling on the floor. Fanning myself with The Tempest, I thought that hell could not be worse.

My friend, Hira was spread out on the rug, her limbs in all four directions, her eyes wildly staring above, looking the very picture of gloom.

Zoha was humming a tune in her hoarse, croaking voice. Amna was trying to read a magazine article on “How to stay positive in unfavourable situations,” and the page was soaking wet with her sweat.

I stared at them, one by one. The heat and boredom was driving us all mad. “Something has to be done quick,” I thought, “Or else….,” I didn’t dare think further.

So, I tried to think of a way to return to our normal selves, a way to have fun with my pals, which we had planned to do before the load-shedding shattered our plans. Just then, it occurred to me that going to the beach would do us some good.

My friends readily agreed to this idea. So, we all jumped up and rushed to make ourselves presentable. I hurriedly stuffed some snacks into a bag and we headed towards the beach with my elder sister as our chauffeur for the day.

When we reached there, we spread out a mat and arranged the snacks we had bought with us. After the brunch, Zoha and Amna spread out deck chairs and, sitting on them lazily, started reading!

I was surprised that they had come to enjoy themselves at the beach, but they had slumped into chairs and starting reading, which was not even interesting or fun.

“Come on, Sara! Leave the boring studious nerds alone. We should go for a walk and check out the beach, or you can stay with them and read, if you want to,” Hira said.

I immediately agreed to go with Hira. So we set off on a brisk walk alongside the shore, glancing at the vendors and stalls, and hunting for shells in the sand.

Just then, I spotted a cart selling fishing rods and nets.

“It’s worth a try,” I thought as I headed towards the stall.

“Where are you going?” Hira inquired.

“I’m going to fish,” I announced.

“What are you talking about? It’s a crazy idea! You’ll make a fool of yourself!” Hira shouted.

“We will see about that,” I replied calmly.

I bought a shinning fishing rod and proudly marched to the sea and sat on a rock. I swung the fishing line and dropped it in the water.

With eager eyes and a heart full of anticipation, I glared into the water, hopeful to see some movement of a fish. Half an hour passed and there was no luck. I was completely disappointed. But now there was no turning back. My friends would mock me if I retreated and the thought gave me goosebumps. Then I wondered if I had forgotten something and suddenly remembered — the bait!

I started hunting the sand for something that would serve as bait. After a while, I caught four pink worms and attached them to the hook. With new hope, I swung it into the water. But no, luck was not smiling on me today. I don’t know when I dozed off….

Splash! Suddenly a big wave came from nowhere and washed over me, waking me with a start. I was dragged into the water, the sand slipping from under my feet!

The sea water was shallow at first, and my feet hit the sharp pebbles and rocks. And then, as I was dragged deeper and deeper, the rubbish in the sea thrown by careless and thoughtless people hit me badly. The plastic bottles went hit my face and the shoppers embraced me. At the same time, the seaweed and bits of disposable cutlery and what not, got tangled in my hair like a wig.

Just then, I hit a huge boulder and shouted “Oww!” as I let go of the fishing rod. My head was spinning like a top. I caught hold of a floating tire and swam to the shore.

My friends stared at me, trying to hold back their laughter. I looked pathetic. The seaweed, plastic straws and other bits of disposable garbage was stuck in my hair. I was sniffing and shivering uncontrollably. It was then that all of us decided to get back home where I bathed and returned to my normal state.

But this incident remained in my mind. And then, I started a campaign on climate change, deforestation and most importantly, marine pollution, in view of the recent mishap I had experienced.

My friends nailed notices and boards near the beaches with signs that said “Keep the sea plastic free” and “Don’t turn water into a science experiment.” In addition, trash cans for food wrappers, Popsicle sticks and plastic cups were installed in handy places on the beach.

I was particularly excited by this activity because I had first-hand experience of the “suffering” caused by trash, filth and garbage. I could not even begin to imagine how the inhabitants of the sea feel on being tangled in plastic bags or choked by mistakenly eating plastic.

My campaign proved effective, raising awareness of the devastation and destruction caused by the careless actions of people. And this disastrous effect was not limited to the marine ecosystem only, but also to various food chains.

So next time, when you visit the beach, remember: the ocean isn’t your dumpster!

Published in Dawn, Young World, July 5th, 2025

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