This weekend, January 24th, is one of several cleanups The Grassroots Garbage Gang holds throughout the year on the Long Beach peninsula. This group consists of local citizens who love their beaches and organizes cleanups to keep their favorite beach-going spots clean and free of debris. Also, they are always welcoming of new people whether from close to home or far away. Many people not from the area recreate on the local beaches so it serves a purpose for even out-of-towners to get involved in the cleanups. Can't make this weekend? Read below for more opportunities and ways to get informed on other Washington coastal cleanups.
There are several other groups out there like the Grassroots Garbage Gang working for clean beaches. Obviously Surfrider and our various chapters spend countless hours picking up plastic, cigarette butts, and other garbage from inland and coastal beaches. In one capacity where we work with other stakeholders on cleanups is through our involvement in CoastSavers. Non-profits like Surfrider, Discover Your Northwest, and the Ocean Conservancy partner with agencies such as NOAA and WA State Parks to provide two major cleanups every year under the CoastSavers banner, one in April and one in September. This April's event will take place on April 25th and traditionally has Surfrider sponsored BBQS at Hobuck Beach, 3 Rivers Fire Station near La Push, and at Twin Harbors in Westport. Each year thousands come to these cleanups.
There are a few ways you can get involved in a coastal cleanup. One is to show up at your local Surfrider chapter meeting and see if anyone is interested in heading to the coast for a cleanup. It can only take a few ambitious people to start something big and begin growing a cleanup at a location of choice. Another simple way is to attend one of the already in-place cleanups, meet new people, and enjoy a weekend of giving back to what you love. So sign up for the Grassroots Garbage Gang newsletter, the Surfrider Washington one, and the CoastSavers list serve so you can get all your beach cleanup info delivered right to your inbox. None of the groups send out mass emails or share your information so what do you have to lose?!