Have you ever been enjoying a leisurely walk down the beautiful sands of the beach or meandered the lush pathways of your favorite park only to run across a discarded soda bottle, beer can, bag of leftover fast food, or worse? Trash sure can put a downer on a summer stroll.
Because we know just how much litter impacts our oceans and beaches, every summer, the members of AMC and their families meet up to pick up trash and help keep our local beaches clean. While we can’t gather physically due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are still conducting a cleanup event on Saturday, July 25. We invite you all to individually make small efforts that can lead to big results for our beautiful beaches and parks. Here’s some more information on the benefits, safety considerations, and needed supplies of your beach cleanup.
Explore the Benefits of a Beach Cleanup
Picking up trash along beaches and parks is not only personally gratifying, but it also benefits local wildlife, the economy, your health.
“There is satisfaction to say, ‘I removed ten pounds of trash from my beach,’” says Kara Lavender Law, a research oceanography professor. “Even if it’s only ten pounds, that’s ten pounds that isn’t going to go into the open ocean.”
Clean beaches also bring economic benefits. Economists have estimated that “a typical swimming day is worth $35 per beach visitor.” Keeping our beaches clean and open is key to the tourism economy. Whether you take a morning walk down to Bolivar Park to pick up garbage or spend an afternoon at Bolsa Chica or Junipero beach, you’re helping make the world a more beautiful, prosperous place.
Remember, Safety First
COVID-19 restrictions are still in place, so that means the cleanup crew you have enlisted might be smaller this year with just immediate family or roommates. But, if you’re inviting more people to join your cleanup, remember this advice from the CDC: “Minimize gestures that promote close contact. For example, don’t shake hands, do elbow bumps, or give hugs. Instead wave and verbally greet them.” And don’t forget to wear your mask when social distancing is difficult.
Supplies Needed for Cleanup Success
Once you’ve set aside July 25 on your calendar or found a day that works best for you, it’s time to organize all the supplies you might need. Be sure and add these supplies to your list:
- Cloth/reusable gloves
- Brooms, dustpans, and buckets for cigarette butts and glass
- Trash bags
- Paper lawn and refuse bags for yard waste
- First aid kit
- Water and snacks for your team
Cleaning up beaches and parks really makes a difference and is a fun and memorable summer activity. So join us for our beach and park clean up effort on July 25 or anytime during the month of July! Tag Lakewood Manor in your photos and use the hashtags #AMCcleanup and #livehappy. We can’t wait to see the difference you are making!