Coastal Cleanup Day 2008

Coastal Cleanup Day is September 20th, 2008!!

Every year, the state of California relies on volunteers to help clean up the coasts along the entire state. Coastal cleanup day in California is easily one of the largest volunteer events in Southern California.

This year, the coastal cleanup day will be September 20th. In 2007, there were more than 60,000 volunteers who moved trash from all of the beaches and lakes in the state. This huge undertaking helped to remove nearly 1 million pounds of trash; this is an astounding number that is unfortunately too common. While there are thousands of volunteers, there are millions of people who trash the coast and do not understand the importance of keeping it clean.

Why Clean Up our Coast?

There are two major reasons to clean up the coast; the humans, and the wildlife. Those who do not have a large soft spot for Mother Nature can still appreciate a clean coast. No one wants to walk onto a coast and beach only to find cigarette buts and wrappers. All of this trash can be incredibly distracting, and downright disgusting, for those who are attempting to enjoy a day at the beach. This is also incredibly unsanitary, as junk on the beach is not necessarily a healthy haven.

The animals are an entirely different story. While many people have heard of animals who have a hard time on the coasts with trash, the may not understand how wide spread the problem is. Many people have heard of birds or fish that have been stuck in the pop can plastic connecters. People generally do not hear of the birds and other animals that eat cigarette butts, and the animals who cut themselves on sharp trash. All of this trash can easily find it’s way to the coasts. If no one cleans this u, the animals will remain in danger.

How to Register and Volunteer

Registering and volunteering for the coastal cleanup day in California is incredibly easy. First, you need to figure out where you would like to clean up; there are local coordinators for all of the different areas on the coast. Once you reach the local coordinator, you can receive directions and instructions for the day of the cleaning. You can also do so online, and can actually set up a site of your own if none exist.

On the day of the actually clean up you will check in at your location and will receive most of the things that you need. While you need to bring your own shoes, hats, and gloves, you will be given trash bags and the information you need to track the trash you pick up. Volunteering for the coastal cleanup day is really this easy. Searching California’s government website will easily lead you to the database for the coastal cleanup day so that you can find your area and be well on your way to making a difference on California’s coasts.