September 15th was National Coastal Cleanup Day and October 20th is Florida Coastal Cleanup Day so it is appropriate that I share tips on how to keep our beaches (and other waterways) clean and green. Living next to the beach has awakened my senses on how lazy people can be. Last year we took our 4 yr old (then 3) to a beach cleanup in October and do you know what the most common item on the beach was? Cigarette butts. Followed by random plastic debris (bottle tops, straws, etc). So here are some tips on making your beach trip better for the environment.
- Pack a small grocery bag in your beach bag for your trash (and for others).
- Remember the old saying; “Leave only footprints…take only memories”, and don’t leave anything behind.
- While you can’t pick up the whole beach before you leave you can clean your area; pick up the trash that others have left behind.
- Have recycleables to trash but the beach doesn’t have a recycling area; take it home and put it in your own recycling center.
- Don’t take living shells from the beach; these animals are still alive and play an important role in the ocean ecosystem.
It really doesn’t take much to make a difference and by teaching our children at a young age maybe one day we won’t have to clean up after others. Go enjoy a day at your favorite beach or waterway.
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