While the name Coastal Cleanup Day suggests that this cleanup is all about the beach, ILACSD’s volunteer efforts reach far beyond the coast, helping to create strong, healthy environments and communities across the region. With eighty percent of marine debris originating in inland areas, ILACSD has expanded Coastal Cleanup Day reach to include both inland and coastal territory. This year, sixty-five percent of the cleanup sites are located inland along rivers, creeks, canyons and urban areas with the aim to stop debris before it makes its way to the ocean. There will even be three cleanups happening on the water with kayaks.

With 114 cleanup sites last year, volunteers removed 185,000 pounds of debris from San Diego County – the equivalent weight of 10 garbage trucks! Help remove even more trash and debris and beautify San Diego County by getting registered for this year’s Coastal Cleanup Day on September 16, 2017, from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

In an effort to reduce waste produced by an event of this size, Coastal Cleanup Day volunteers can pledge to bring at least one reusable item to the cleanup. When volunteers bring their own reusable water bottle, work gloves and bucket to collect litter, they prevent thousands of single-use bags and disposable gloves from entering San Diego’s landfills. ILACSD will be having a “Bling Your Bucket” competition for Coastal Cleanup Day. Participants have the opportunity to decorate their reusable buckets showing off their creativity and imagination and submit photos for the chance to win fun prizes and have their picture posted on the Coastal Cleanup Day website for one year. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to participate.

The Sony Photo Contest is also returning to Coastal Cleanup Day. While volunteers spend the morning helping to preserve the environment, they can snap some pictures of all of their hard work. Participants may submit their best photo from the event into the competition where the top five finalists will be put to a vote on the ILACSD Facebook page. The winner will receive a Sony Point and Shoot Camera!

ILACSD collects valuable data about the debris collection that helps us understand how we can better prevent litter. Instead of using paper data cards, ILACSD is asking volunteers to download the Ocean Conservancy’s user-friendly mobile data collection app, Clean Swell, onto their smartphones as another way to cut back on waste.

Not only will we be removing litter on Coastal Cleanup Day, the event also includes beautification projects such as graffiti removal and replacement of invasive species with drought-tolerant alternatives. Volunteers who signup will work with ILACSD to preserve and enhance San Diego for current and future generations to enjoy. Leading the way to a zero waste, litter-free and environmentally engaged San Diego region, ILACSD encourages all community members to take action in their neighborhood by joining them on September 16^th.

Registration information and details regarding Coastal Cleanup Day can be found at CleanupDay.org.