Each year thousands of volunteers take to the beach throughout the world as part of Heal the Bay’s Coastal Cleanup Day. Over 60 nations participated making this possibly the largest volunteer day on the planet!
Last year, volunteers came to the beaches of the Santa Monica Bay to pick up trash and recyclables, yielding literally tons of debris. Among the items found in recent years are a wedding dress, a briefcase full of graham crackers, a chandelier and a handgun.
Heal the Bay and the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors coordinate the army of volunteers for the cleanup. There are over 50 sites in the Santa Monica Bay and along inland creeks and waterways. Though most of the work is done on foot, boaters, kayakers and divers are also involved. The most common pollutant found is cigarette butts.
In 2007 cleanup sites included 15 creeks and river sites, one kayak site, two underwater dive sites and 46 beaches. 77,922 pounds of trash were collected. 5,512 pounds of reusable cans, bottles and scrap metal were recycled.
The entire cleanup was accomplished in only a three-hour time span with 11,020 volunteers!
This year’s Coastal Cleanup will take place on September 20 from 9a.m. to noon. Volunteers will maintain data cards on major polluters and repeat offenders in hopes of curbing habits and educating the public. Individuals, families, schools and company groups make up the thousands of helpers on coastlines around the globe and here in the Santa Monica Bay.
To volunteer, visit www.healthebay.org./volunteer
