Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup Announced for September 21
September 20, 2013 – Press Release with attached ICC Fact Sheet.
Volunteer for the movement for Trash Free Seas and help clean up our coastline with Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful
The Ocean Conservancy announced the date for the 28th annual International Coastal Cleanup, a global event that mobilizes hundreds of thousands of people to take action for our ocean, for September 21. By joining the movement for Trash Free Seas, volunteers will help clean up trash already in the ocean and work to reduce their own trash impact before it happens.
Trash in our ocean is an issue that affects wildlife, the environment and our economy. But everyone has a role that they can play in helping – with the first step being to volunteer for the International Coastal Cleanup.
“Last year, volunteers picked up a quantity of trash equivalent to the weight of 10 jumbo jets, which demonstrates the more people who come out, the bigger an impact we can have,” said Nicholas Mallos, marine debris specialist of Ocean Conservancy’s Trash Free Seas program. “Seeing the trash along beaches and waterways makes you realize: just because trash is thrown away and out of sight doesn’t mean it’s out of our ocean. And the continuous need for the Cleanup indicates we’re not winning the battle upstream. The Cleanup is a starting point and just one way people can help fight the problem of ocean trash.”
The Cleanup is centered on Ocean Conservancy’s goal of tackling trash at every point in its lifecycle. While cleaning up trash that’s already made it to our waterways is vital, it’s not enough. Through individual responsibility, innovative science, smart public policy and industry leadership, we can find comprehensive solutions to the problem of ocean trash that will lead to healthier beaches and a healthier ocean.
“Every piece of trash that is picked up during the Cleanup should be a challenge for change,” said Mallos. “The trash that tops our top 10 list every year – things like cigarette butts, bags and bottle caps – include disposable plastics meant for one-time usage. These items simply do not belong in our natural environment.”
Local non-profit, Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful, Inc., an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, coordinates the Cleanup in Palm Beach County. Last year, during the International Coastal Cleanup 2012, in Palm Beach County alone, over 3,000 volunteers picked up more than 31,000 lbs of trash from Palm Beach County beaches, lakes, and participating neighborhoods. From the information provided by volunteers, the source of most of the trash and debris comes from shoreline and recreational activities (58.30%) and smoking-related activities (26.87%).
This year in Palm Beach County, local volunteers will gather at multiple locations on September 21 with additional cleanup dates before and after the official worldwide event. Most cleanup events begin at 8:00 a.m. with some later start times. For a list of sites, dates, and times, please visit www.keepPBCbeautiful.org or call (561) 686-6646. Community Service Hours will be given. Volunteers should pre-register by contacting the volunteer coordinators listed for each site. Volunteers are encouraged to wear hats, sunscreen, sturdy shoes and bring water and they should verify what supplies will be provided at their chosen Site with the Volunteer Coordinator. Free International Coastal Cleanup t-shirts will be given to volunteers while supplies last.
Ocean Conservancy International Coastal Cleanup Partners
The Coca-Cola Company has supported Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup for the past 18 years. Last year, Coca-Cola activated a global employee engagement campaign to encourage participation in the Cleanup. Over 24,000 Coca-Cola system associates, their friends and families in 27 countries volunteered, cleaning more than 1,300 miles of coastline. As part of its commitment to address global climate change, Bank of America has supported the Cleanup since 2002, with thousands of employees participating in Cleanup events all around the world. Other national sponsors include National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Altria Group, Inc., The Dow Chemical Company, Landshark Lager, Glad, Brunswick Public Foundation, CVS Caremark, Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Local Palm Beach County Cleanup Sponsors
The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County
Florida Inland Navigation District
Pratt & Whitney
AT&T Pioneers Palm Beach County Council
Advanced Disposal
Waste Pro
Southern Waste Systems
Whole Foods
Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County
Walmart
West Palm Beach Fishing Club
Surfing’s Evolution and Preservation Foundation
Ocean Potion
Nestle Waters
About Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful, Inc.
Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful, Inc., established in 1988, is a 501(c)(3) volunteer-based non-profit organization which serves as the local affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. Its mission is to improve the quality of life in Palm Beach County through litter prevention education, beautification efforts, and environmental stewardship. www.keepPBCbeautiful.org
About Ocean Conservancy
Ocean Conservancy educates and empowers citizens to take action on behalf of the ocean. From the Arctic to the Gulf of Mexico to the halls of Congress, Ocean Conservancy brings people together to find solutions for our water planet. Informed by science, our work guides policy and engages people in protecting the ocean and its wildlife for future generations.
Ocean Conservancy Media Contact: Jim Wintering, Ocean Conservancy
Telephone: (202) 280-6232 Email: [email protected]
For more information contact:
Lourdes Ferris, Executive Director
Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful, Inc.
1920 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite 210
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
(561) 686-6646
cell (561) 389-7684
FAX (561) 686-6642
[email protected]
www.keepPBCbeautiful.org