Save Our Shores needs volunteers for the largest cleanup event of the year, Annual Coastal Cleanup Day, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 17.
Save Our Shores has been the regional coordinator for this event since the early 1980s, and now this event is recognized statewide as the California Coastal Cleanup, part of International Coastal Cleanup Day.
Last year, Save Our Shores coordinated 62 cleanup sites resulting in 4,800+ pounds of debris removed from the environment by 1,774 volunteers.
For the second year Krista Rogers will coordinate the day for Save Our Shores.
Here are some common items polluting the aquatic habitat and alternative products.
Produce Bags
PROBLEM: Produce bags are typically made from polyethylene or other plastic film. They’re often single use and thrown into the landfill or reused as dog-poop bags (and often left on beaches).
SOLUTION: Use reusable/washable produce bags made from natural fibers when possible. Ethos sells them locally.
As for those poop bags, well the solution isn’t as straight forward. Corn-based “biodegradable” ones are probably the most reliably able to break down, but they still take a long time to get there. One Green Planet has some interesting solutions.
Plastic Utensils
PROBLEM: Plastic utensils are typically single-use and it can be hard to tell whether they are recyclable, compostable, or landfill bound.
In reality, most are not actually recyclable. Nor do compostable ones break down all that readily without employing specific composting methods — our system is just not set up for it.
SOLUTION: Opt for reusable sets that are easy to travel with. You can purchase lightweight bamboo sets that easily stash in your car, purse, or backpack.
Or use your metal utensils from home. A little more work for you, but it’s a lot less work for our environment. 🙂
Cling Wrap
PROBLEM: Cling wrap is typically made from Polyvinylidene Chloride (PVC) or Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and has been correlated to disruption of the human hormone system.
SOLUTION: Silicone stretch lids OR — even better — beeswax wrap.
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Sign up for the cleanup at: saveourshores.org/coastal-cleanup.