An Environment Day in Punaauia: taking action and sorting waste for the ocean

In September 2025 in Punaauia, Geocean mobilised its teams for a day of concrete action: sorting and recycling waste, good washing practices, water protection and biodiversity awareness. The aim was to transform principles into everyday actions on site and in the office, and to establish a lasting culture of continuous improvement.

Geocean’s Environment Day was held in Punaauia in September 2025 and focused on individual responsibility: don’t throw things away, always sort your waste, always tidy up. The programme included circular economy on site, responsible washing of machinery and diving equipment, water protection and awareness of endangered species. A quiz consolidated what had been learned, encouraged commitment and highlighted good practices observed.

Waste: our daily responsibility

On land and at sea, poorly managed waste ends up in the ocean. The day served as a reminder of three simple and systematic reflexes: don’t throw away, always sort, always tidy up. The teams checked the sorting instructions on site, identified the dedicated containers and reported any non-compliance. Concrete examples were shared: organisation of storage areas, strict separation of waste streams (plastic, metal, wood, hazardous waste if present) and checking bins before removal.

Frequent errors observed and solutions

• Mixing of waste streams in the same bin → affix visible signage, check before closing.
• Temporary deposits without boundaries → mark out areas, limit duration, appoint a person in charge.
• Abandoned tools and PPE → include ‘end-of-shift tidying up’ in the team routine.
• Overfilled or unclosed bags → limit volume, close systematically, store away from the wind.

 

Recommended team routine

• Start of shift: check bins, bags, labels and deposit areas.
• During the shift: sort at source, avoid deposits on the ground, correct any deviations.
• End of shift: cross-check by two people, tidy up, take a photo of compliance if applicable.

 

Circular economy on construction sites: from sorting to reuse

The aim was to move from simply ‘disposing’ to ‘reusing/recycling’. The teams learned how to sort better upstream, reduce disposal errors and promote the reuse of materials suitable for the construction site context. Detailed best practices: clear signage, visual inspection before closing containers and feedback on local recovery channels when available. Key message: less mixed waste = more useful material.

 

Simple levers for the circular economy

• Procurement: adjust quantities to avoid surpluses.
• Internal reuse where relevant: prioritise the reuse of containers and protective equipment in good condition.
• Traceability: keep a basic record of flows to identify possible improvements.
• Planning: organise intermediate sorting points to limit unnecessary transfers.

 

Points to note

• Do not recycle hazardous waste without following the appropriate procedure.
• Maintain the quality of sorting: clean, identified containers increase recovery opportunities.
• Avoid cross-contamination: separate flows and protect containers from rain and wind.

 

Water, a precious resource: responsible washing

The day focused on protecting water, a critical resource for the ecosystem and our operations. One focus was on washing machines: prior inspection to limit leaks, choice of suitable washing areas, volume limitation, collection and management of effluents according to site instructions. A second focus was on washing diving equipment: economical rinsing, environmentally compatible products, drying and storage to extend the life of the equipment. These measures have reduced our footprint and improved operational safety.

 

Best practices — Washing machines

• Check the condition of hoses and connections before washing.
• Use a dedicated area with retention if provided.
• Control the flow rate and duration; avoid unnecessary spraying.
• Dispose of and treat effluent in accordance with site guidelines.

 

Best practices — Diving equipment

• Brief, targeted rinsing of areas in contact with salt.
• Dry in the shade and store on suitable racks.
• Check for cleanliness before storage to avoid residual contamination.

 

Typical scenario

1. Prepare the washing area and the necessary equipment.
2. Carry out a visual inspection and correct any simple defects.
3. Wash the equipment, limiting the amount of water used.
4. Manage effluent in accordance with site guidelines.
5. Validate compliance and record the operation if required.

 

Preserving biodiversity: understanding in order to act

 

Awareness of endangered species has highlighted the fact that every piece of litter can have an impact. The link between good sorting practices, clean working areas and marine conservation has been put into perspective: less dispersion, fewer risks for wildlife, greater safety for workers.

• Preventive measures for biodiversity
• Prevent light plastics from blowing away: close bags and bins.
• Prohibit the abandonment of waste in sensitive areas.
• Immediately report any floating waste or environmental incidents according to the defined chain.
• Protect areas at risk: limit unnecessary travel and follow the instructions posted.

 

Situations requiring vigilance

• Strong winds: secure bags and reduce open packaging.
• Heavy rain: avoid overflowing, protect sorting areas.
• Operations close to the shore: increase monitoring of light waste.

 

Quiz and recognition: training and team commitment

A quiz punctuated the day to transform learning into lasting habits. The questions focused on sorting, the circular economy, water protection and good practices on site. Recognition was given for participation, team spirit and knowledge advancement, with exemplary teams being highlighted.

What the teams learned

• Sorting instructions are effective when they are visible and repeated.
• Responsible washing protects water and extends the life of equipment.
• Collective vigilance reduces errors and incidents.
• Short, regular reminders maintain standards.