Ashbury Park Press: Clean Ocean Action to Hold Spring Beach Sweeps
Filed under: Earth 911 - April 17, 2008
By Sarah Webster
During the fall 2007 Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweep, volunteers collected all sorts of environmental litter, including a ping-pong paddle, windshield wiper blade and a stereo speaker.
Clean Ocean Action is expecting more than 3,000 participants for its 23rd annual Spring Beach Sweep, being held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 26. The event will cover more than 60 different locations throughout New Jersey.
During last year’s event, volunteers removed 20,000 pounds of debris totaling more than 130,000 pieces of environmental litter, said Clean Ocean Action Executive Director Anna Will.
“The beach sweeps are a powerful way for individuals to make a difference in their local environment,” Will said. “Removing debris from our beaches not only helps to make our experiences at the beach and in the ocean more pleasant and safe, but it also helps protect the fish, shellfish, birds, seals and turtles that rely on a healthy ocean.”
The wildlife that live in and around the ocean are innocent victims of ocean pollution, she said.
By using data cards to collect information about the debris collected and removed from beaches, COA can track changing trends in ocean pollution and support international, national and local efforts that will help protect New Jersey waterways from pollution, she said.
“Earth Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about environmental issues, but it’s also critical that individuals remain environmentally conscious all year long,” Will said.
Here are some tips Will provided on ways to reduce waste and help create a positive impact on the environment:
Reduce, reuse, recycle:
Avoid using disposable items such as plastic straws, cups, water bottles and utensils. Use reusable bags, mugs, and food containers. Recycle as much as possible.
Conserve the drops to save water:
Turn off the water while brushing teeth, take shorter showers, use low-flow faucets and shower heads, and if washing a car, use a facility that recycles water.
Flip the switch to save energy:
Turn off your lights and appliances when not in use. Unplug your phone chargers and remote-controlled appliances, which use energy even when they are not in use.
Don’t be idle:
Turn off your car when idling for more than 30 seconds.
Shop wisely:
Purchase environmentally responsible products, such as products made from recycled materials, nontoxic cleaners, and products with little packaging waste.
Swap bulbs and replace inefficient items in your home. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs. Check www.earth911.org for more info and safe CFL disposal options. Buy “Energy Star” appliances.
Stash the trash responsibly:
Never litter. Make sure outdoor trash cans are covered so trash does not blow out.
Be proactive:
Write manufacturers and retailers to urge them to make and sell recyclable products, use minimal packaging and supply environmentally safe products.
Get involved:
Attend town meetings and discuss your concerns with your local elected officials. Write to your elected officials about your environmental concerns. Join an environmental organization.
Spread the word:
Educate family, friends, neighbors and employers about how they can improve daily habits to protect our environment.
Clean Ocean Action points out that together, we are the solution.
For more information on Clean Ocean Action and the beach sweeps in your area, visit www.CleanOceanAction.org.