Keeping beaches clear and clean is important for the environment and for the people who enjoy the sand and surf. Marine animals and those that make their homes alongside the coast are in constant danger from garbage and debris left behind by beachcombers and by pollutants that make their way into the ocean water. Humans also face danger from garbage on the beach and in the ocean, as glass and other sharp objects can lead to cuts and infections.
Take your garbage and belongings with you. The easiest way to clear beaches is to observe the leave no trace mantra, which suggests that you take with you everything you bring to the beach.
Join a clean-up campaign at your local beach. Coastal towns periodically ask volunteers to help with organized clean-beach outings, which usually consist of a half-day spent clearing debris from the sand.
Contact a national organization, such as Clean Ocean Action, to find out about beach clean-up outings in your general area. A national organization can also give you information on any local groups that support clean-beach initiatives and can give you more information on how you can help.
Don't dump debris down storm drains, as the pollutants can make their way to the ocean. Many storm drains run directly into the nearest waterway without filtration, and after a trip down a river or creek, can end up in the ocean and, ultimately, on the beach itself.
Avoid feeding seagulls and other coastal waterfowl, as the handouts encourage the birds to hang out on the sand in greater numbers, which increases the amount of bird droppings on the beach.
