September, 2014 – World’s Largest Volunteer Beach Clean Up

The Ocean Conservancy announced the date for the 29th annual International Coastal Cleanup, a global event that mobilizes hundreds of thousands of people to take action for our ocean, for September 20.  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.

Ocean trash compromises the health of humans, wildlife, and the economies that depend on a healthy ocean. Every piece of trash volunteers find will be tracked and included in an annual index of global marine debris to be released in 2015.

Last year, nearly 650,000 people picked up more than 12 million pounds of trash along 13,000 miles of coastline. 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 2013, in Palm Beach County alone, over 3,200 volunteers picked up more than 17,000 lbs of trash from Palm Beach County beaches, lakes, and participating neighborhoods. From the information provided by volunteers, the top ten items that were picked up were:

This year in Palm Beach County, local volunteers will gather at multiple locations on September 20 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.

The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County
Florida Inland Navigation District
Pratt & Whitney
Macy’s
Waste Management
AT&T Pioneers Palm Beach County Council
Advanced Disposal
Southern Waste Systems
Whole Foods
Waste Pro
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County
Walmart
Body Glove Surge
Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation
West Palm Beach Fishing Club
Florida Beverage Association
Pepsico
Nestle Waters
Ocean Potion

Keeping our ocean free from trash is one of the easiest ways to make the ocean more resilient. From creating less trash to using proper trash disposal, everyone can help keep our ocean clean and free of debris.

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. It’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County through programs and partnerships that encourage public agencies, private entities, residents and visitors to reduce litter and waste, increase recycling, beautify and maintain public spaces, and inspire generations of environmental stewards.  www.keepPBCbeautiful.org

About Ocean Conservancy