Mission Beach Post Celebration Clean Up

Richard, Ms. Mallory, Rainie, Bailey, and Karlie collected over 28 pounds of trash in just 2 hours.

Now That is a Ton of Trash

The beaches were packed to the gills with proud Americans celebrating the  Independence of our country on the 4th of July; however, when the crowds dispersed, their trash was left behind.  I Love a Clean San Diego and the Surfrider Foundation foresaw this giant mess and organized a post 4th of July cleanup to counter the huge masses.  Hundreds of volunteers came to support the event and did an unbelievable job in clearing the litter lined picnic areas and parking lots.  

Photo Credit: Mallory Lindsay

Photo Credit: Mallory Lindsay

According to the Surfrider Foundation that was managing the census of four cleanups at popular beach sites, over 2,140 pounds of trash and 388 pounds of recyclable material was prevented from entering the ocean!!  Their MORNING AFTER MESS press release stated, "Few holidays generate more trash on San Diego County beaches than the Fourth of July. Sadly, much of this litter is made up of plastic, which exacerbates an already critical pollution problem devastating marine life in the world’s oceans. This year’s Morning After Mess recovered 953 plastic bags, 1,483 pieces of Styrofoam and 21,007 cigarette butts." 

For the entire press release, click here.

Much of the trash that enters the oceans come from many miles inland and make its way to the ocean through storm drains and waterways. 

Not near an ocean?  You can still make a difference by organizing a park or community cleanup and keep the litter from entering streams and other ecosystems. 

Photo Credit: Mallory Lindsay

Visit www.ilacsd.org to volunteer or ways to create your own cleanup event.

Again this is Ms. Mallory inviting you to. . . 

Visit my Facebook page and Instagram for more fun facts, videos, and ways you can make a difference for wildlife.