For over three years the South Sound chapter, based out of Tacoma, has hosted regular monthly beach cleanups. After learning about the success of other chapters utilizing regular cleanups to grow their numbers, increase volunteer opportunities, and to get trash off of local beaches, the chapter has ran and continues to run a successful program in the South Sound.
The South Sound has been very engaged in a variety of programs and campaigns in recent years ranging from regular water-monitoring through Surfrider's Blue Water Task Force, to running and winning the campaign for a bring your own bag ordinance in Tacoma. The most easily accessible program is the chapters monthly beach cleanups, which bring together chapter regulars, newcomers, and volunteer groups to local beaches.
South Sound at Purdy Spit
In 2016 the chapter conducted cleanups at several beaches in the South Sound and outer coast including: Owen Beach, Yowkwala Beach, Titlow Park, 3 Rivers (La Push Area Coastal Cleanup), Narrows Park, and others bringing together community members from across the area. The chapter removed over a ton of debris to make beaches in the South Sound a little cleaner for recreation and our environment.
Beach Cleanup Advocate Mike Webb SUPing to unaccessible areas to remove debris via paddleboard
The majority of debris found starts at the source with the usual subjects such as plastics, beer bottles, and styrofoam. The chapter worked effectively with the city to reduce waste by passing the Bring Your Own Bag Ordinance in 2016 to limit the amount of plastic waste they find at local cleanups.
Plastic Bag On Tacoma Beach
For more information on upcoming beach cleanups please visit the South Sound chapter website or contact them via e-mail. The chapter generally hosts cleanups the second Saturday of every month but dates occasionally change based on other events.