​Organize Your Own Cleanup of A Local Waterway

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Coastlines, rivers, bays, marshes, lakes and streams are all subject to careless litterbugs. All of this trash will eventually make its way out into the ocean! We can stop trash from entering our oceans AND educate our local community about plastic pollution by organizing cleanups of our local waterways.

Here are some simple steps and tips below to organize your own local cleanup and share your work with us!

Before the cleanup:

• Pick a date and time (and a rain date just in case of bad weather)
• Get approval from local officials
• Spread the word and recruit volunteers
  • Contact local environmental groups and create/share flyers for your event around your community
• Think logistics
  • Create a schedule for your cleanup
• Make it fun!
  • Bring music to play or prizes for volunteers who pick up the most litter

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Following the cleanup:

• Count the number of items found and add to the Marine Debris Tracker app
• Discard trash
  • Consider using some trash in artwork (a great educational tool and diverts some waste from the land fill)
  • Recycle what you can!
• Send your pictures to [email protected] to be shared on our social media pages!

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Supplies you'll need:

• Marine Debris Tracker App
• ​Gloves
• Water cooler (for hot days)
  • Fill up at location if possible or remind volunteers to bring reusable water bottles
• Extra sweep bags
• Camera

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Helping Keep our Oceans Clean!