ways to protect the environment essay cleaning up the beach

Essay on Beach Cleaning

Students are often asked to write an essay on Beach Cleaning in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Beach Cleaning

Importance of beach cleaning.

Beach cleaning is vital for our environment. It helps protect marine life from harmful trash. Litter can hurt or kill sea creatures.

How to Clean a Beach

Cleaning a beach is simple. We can start by picking up trash like plastic bottles, bags, and wrappers. Always wear gloves for safety.

Community Involvement

Everyone can help clean beaches. Schools, clubs, and families can organize beach clean-up days. It’s a great way to help our planet.

Benefits of Beach Cleaning

Clean beaches are safer for us and animals. They also look nicer for everyone to enjoy.

250 Words Essay on Beach Cleaning

The importance of beach cleaning.

Beach cleaning is not merely a community service; it is a critical environmental initiative. Beaches are vital ecosystems that support a diverse range of flora and fauna. However, they are increasingly subjected to pollution, mainly due to human activities.

Impact of Beach Pollution

Trash and debris on beaches significantly affect marine life. Animals often mistake plastic for food, leading to ingestion and entanglement. This has a devastating effect on their health and survival. Additionally, polluted beaches pose a threat to human health and safety, and negatively impact tourism, a crucial economic driver for many coastal communities.

Beach Cleaning Methods

Beach cleaning involves manual and mechanical methods. Volunteers often conduct manual cleaning, picking up trash and debris. Mechanical cleaning involves using specialized machines that sieve the sand, removing smaller pieces of trash. While both methods are effective, they each have their limitations and environmental implications.

Community Involvement and Education

Community participation in beach cleaning is essential. Not only does it help in maintaining cleanliness, but it also fosters a sense of responsibility towards the environment. Moreover, education about the consequences of beach pollution is vital. It promotes sustainable practices, such as reducing, reusing, and recycling, which can significantly decrease the amount of waste reaching our beaches.

In conclusion, beach cleaning is a critical environmental endeavor that requires collective effort. It is a testament to our commitment to protect and preserve our natural resources for future generations. Through community involvement and education, we can ensure the longevity of our beaches and the life they support.

500 Words Essay on Beach Cleaning

Introduction.

Beach cleaning is a vital environmental endeavor that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems and the beauty of our coastlines. It involves the removal of waste, both natural and man-made, from beaches, thereby preventing pollution and safeguarding marine life.

Beach cleaning is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to protect marine life. Debris on beaches often finds its way into the ocean, where it can harm or even kill marine creatures. Sea turtles, for example, can mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and ingest them, leading to suffocation or starvation.

Secondly, clean beaches are more appealing to visitors, promoting tourism and local economies. Beaches strewn with trash are not only unattractive but also pose risks to human health and safety.

Challenges in Beach Cleaning

Despite its importance, beach cleaning faces several challenges. The sheer volume of trash that accumulates on beaches is a major hurdle. Every year, millions of tons of garbage end up in our oceans, much of which washes ashore.

Moreover, the majority of this waste is non-biodegradable, such as plastic, which can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. This makes the task of beach cleaning not only daunting but also never-ending.

Another challenge is the lack of public awareness and participation. Many people are unaware of the detrimental effects of beach pollution on marine ecosystems and human health. This lack of knowledge can lead to apathy and a lack of action.

Solutions and Initiatives

To combat these challenges, several strategies and initiatives have been implemented. Community beach clean-ups, where volunteers gather to pick up trash, have become increasingly popular. These events not only help clean the beaches but also raise awareness about the issue of beach pollution.

Moreover, technological advancements have led to the development of machines that can efficiently clean beaches. These machines can sieve through the sand, removing small pieces of trash that might be missed during manual clean-ups.

Education is another critical component. By educating the public about the harmful effects of beach pollution, we can foster a sense of responsibility and encourage more people to participate in beach cleaning efforts.

In conclusion, beach cleaning is a crucial task that helps preserve the health of our marine ecosystems and maintain the beauty of our coastlines. Despite the challenges, through community involvement, technological advancements, and education, we can make significant strides in keeping our beaches clean. As responsible citizens, it is incumbent upon us to protect these natural wonders for future generations.

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Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Environmental Protection — Beach Clean-Up Report: Environmental Responsibility Reflection

Beach Clean-up Report: Environmental Responsibility Reflection

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Published: Sep 7, 2023

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10 benefits of cleaning up your local beach.

As we reforest our oceans through our new seaforestation projects, it’s also important to remember our shorelines. If you head to the beach almost anywhere in the world, you’ll likely see evidence of human impact, like balloons, cigarette butts, and plastic pieces. Keeping our local beaches clean helps protect marine habitats and wildlife, while fostering a deeper appreciation for these beautiful natural spaces we all share. Here are the top 10 benefits of cleaning up your local beach.

10 Benefits of Cleaning Up Your Local Beach

1. protects marine animals.

Over the past few years, we’ve been shocked by headlines about sea life dying due to consuming or getting trapped by the waste we throw in the oceans. When our garbage washes up on coastlines, it’s our chance to take it out before the tide drags it back out. By removing the trash we find on the beach, we’re doing our part to make sure that marine animals don’t get hurt by it.

2. Perserves our natural environments

Beaches are amazing places for us to explore and enjoy together. But when they’re covered in trash, it puts these natural spaces at risk. That’s why cleaning up your local beach is so important – it helps ensure that everyone, from near and far, can appreciate the beauty of your beach.

3. Removes toxic chemicals from the water

Cigarette butts are the most widely littered item on our planet. They’re also one of the most common types of trash found in our oceans. Although they’re small, cigarette butts are capable of polluting a huge amount of water – if just one butt is left to soak for an hour, it has the potential to contaminate up to 8 litres of water with unhealthy and dangerous chemicals. If you pick up 10 cigarette butts from the ground, you’re saving nearly 800 litres of water from contamination.

4. Benefits the local community

Seaside communities benefit in many ways from fishing and tourism. When their beaches are clear of litter, people are more likely to visit, spend money in the area, and enjoy activities like scuba diving. Plus, the clean water makes it easier for fishers to make a living. So, by joining a beach cleanup, you can help the local economy.

5. Creates a safer environment

Litter isn’t just an eyesore – it can be dangerous, too. Sharp pieces of metal and glass, which can easily be hidden in the sand, can cause serious injuries if you’re not careful. So if you see any hazardous items like this, be sure to take extra caution when picking them up.

6. Able to dispose of trash properly

Doing litter cleanups yourself is a great way to dispose of waste properly. Many recyclable and compostable items end up in landfills, where they can’t break down. Take the time to sort out what can be recycled and composted—it makes a real difference.

7. Makes seafood safer

It’s true – what goes in the ocean can end up inside of us. A recent study from Ghent University in Belgium found that people who eat seafood consume an average of 11,000 tiny plastic particles each year. Over time, these chemicals can build up in our bodies and cause health issues. That’s why cleaning up your local beach is so important – it’s one way to create a healthier world!

8. Gets you outside

Nothing beats the feeling of sand between your toes, the warmth of the sun on your skin, and the fresh sea breeze. Beach cleanups are a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the ocean and nearby beaches while doing something good for the environment.

9. Provides important data

Be ach clean – ups are an important way to collect data and get a better understanding of beach pollution . Volunteers can document what they find and how much of it there is . This info can help policymakers  figure out what ‘s causing the pollution and come up with ways to reduce it .  The data can also be used to measure how successful beach clean – ups are and to identify areas that need the most attention .

10. Connects you with new people

Be ach clean – ups are a great way to make new friends and build relationships with people who care about the environment . They ‘re also a great opportunity to learn about resources and organizations that are working to protect the environment . Plus , they often attract members of the local community , so you can get to know people who are invested in the area and could provide valuable help and advice .

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Beach Pollution 101

Litter, sewage, plastic, and other pollutants do more than just ruin the beauty of the beach. They are closing down coastal areas, destroying marine life, and making people seriously sick.

Photo taken at a beach on Boracay Island in the Philippines on April 2, 2018, shows pipes through which sewage is presumed to flow into the ocean.

Kyodo via AP Images

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One of our greatest natural resources has become a garbage dump—and the results are taking a toll on human and marine health. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), billions of pounds of pollution end up in our oceans each year, and the majority of it comes from human activities along the coastlines and inland. Understanding the devastating effects of pollution on our beaches is the first step to fixing the problem.

What is beach pollution?

Why is beach pollution a problem, beach pollution solutions.

Beach pollution is any harmful substance that contaminates our coasts, ranging from plastic, trash, and litter to sewage, pesticides, and oil. Excess amounts of natural substances, such as nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers and animal waste, are also pollutants.

Litter and garbage

These are the most visible types of beach pollution. Litter such as cigarette butts, food wrappers, and plastic bottles can simply be left behind by beachgoers. More indirectly, residential or commercial trash that is not properly disposed of will also eventually reach our beaches—rain reliably washes trash through storm drains, and rivers and streams carry it to the ocean. Litter is also bad in the Great Lakes , the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem. The accumulation became so extreme that Lake Erie was once labeled “the poster child of pollution” (although it is slowly making a comeback thanks to a multistate and international partnership and funding provided by Congress).

Nutrient pollution

While nitrogen and phosphorus are naturally occurring parts of the ecosystem, an overabundance of them in our waterways can have a devastating impact on the environment and human health. Large-scale industrial agriculture practices have dramatically increased the amount of both elements in our soil, air, and water, thanks to commercial fertilizers and animal manure, which contain large amounts of these nutrients. Fertilizer and manure are both applied to crops to help them grow, but often they’re applied in excess. Anything that isn’t absorbed can be washed into waterways by rain or leach through the soil to a nearby groundwater source. 

Additionally, animal waste generated by concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) can spill from storage structures into waterways during storms. Common household items such as dish soaps, dishwasher detergents, and fertilizers can also contribute to nutrient pollution. Many of these cleaning products contain a form of phosphorus called phosphate, which can travel down our drains and eventually wind up on our beaches.

Too much nitrogen and phosphorus in water can cause algae to grow much faster than usual. These colonies of algae, referred to as harmful algal blooms (HABs) , can take over large swaths of water and are detrimental to aquatic ecosystems, blocking light and depleting oxygen. They can also release toxins that sicken humans and wildlife.

Wet weather discharges

Wet weather discharges include any end-of-pipe contaminants that are brought to the ocean through precipitation, such as rainfall and snowmelt. There are three types:

Stormwater runoff Stormwater runoff happens when rain or melted snow flows over paved land and does not soak into the ground. As the water travels over sidewalks, parking lots, and roads, it picks up and accumulates pollutants including trash, chemicals, oil, and dirt. Water can also pick up harmful pollutants (heavy metals or organic chemicals) near industrial and construction sites. Newer underground drainage systems—those built since the 1950s—tend to separate this surface runoff from sewage by maintaining two different networks. In these two-pipe systems, stormwater is collected at inlets and discharged directly into a nearby body of water. 

Although this system was designed to reduce the risk of sewage overflows, it may actually increase the amount of pollutants in our coastal waters because it directly dumps untreated runoff into our waterways. The EPA estimates that more than 10 trillion gallons of untreated stormwater enter our coastal waters every year, and NRDC’s research found that stormwater runoff is the biggest cause of beach closings and advisories.

Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) According to the EPA, there are still more than 860 municipalities in the United States with older systems known as combined sewer systems (CSSs). CSSs funnel domestic sewage, industrial wastewater, and stormwater through a single set of pipes to a waste treatment facility to be processed and then dumped in a nearby body of water. During periods of heavy rainfall, however, the wastewater volume in a CSS can exceed the capacity of the sewer system or treatment facility. For this reason, the sewers have been specifically designed with overflow pipes so that the mixture of sewage and stormwater doesn’t back up into buildings, including homes. The resulting combined sewer overflow (CSO) dumps raw, untreated sewage into lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. CSOs are a common source of raw sewage appearing on beaches, particularly in the Great Lakes basin.

Sanitary sewage overflows (SSOs) A sanitary sewage system (SSS) is another type of waste system that collects and transports industrial and domestic wastewater to a treatment facility. Unlike CSSs, SSS pipes are not designed to carry much rainwater and therefore have a smaller capacity. These systems, especially if old or undersized, often let raw sewage leak out into nearby bodies of water if there is any type of heavy precipitation. The EPA estimates that there are at least 23,000 to 75,000 SSOs per year in the United States, making them one of the biggest causes of wet weather discharge.

Overflows from combined and sanitary sewer systems are both categorized as point source pollution, or pollution that originates from a single, identifiable source such as a factory, sewage treatment facility, farm, or septic tank. Point source pollution is less common than nonpoint source pollution, which is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground and comes from many diffuse sources but often has a larger and more destructive impact.

Families walk near plastic litter washed up on Cabrillo Beach in Los Angeles.

Arista/Docuvitae for NRDC

The impact on public health

Polluted beaches pose a serious health risk for people who come in contact with dirty water or sand. Ten percent of all water samples collected in 2013 from 3,500 coastal and Great Lakes beaches failed to meet the EPA’s most restrictive benchmark for swimmer safety. The EPA estimates that up to 3.5 million people get sick from being in contact with sewage while swimming; children are the most vulnerable because they tend to swallow more water. Bacteria, fertilizers, animal and human waste, and trash can cause a range of illnesses for beachgoers. The most common is an upset stomach, but swimmers can also suffer neurological disorders, respiratory ailments, pinkeye, earaches, meningitis, and hepatitis. People with compromised immune systems, small children, and seniors may even be at risk of death.

Because there is a lag between contact with contaminated waters and onset of symptoms, most people don’t even realize it was the beach that caused their illness. One study found that people can get sick without even going into the water—contact with polluted beach sand was enough exposure to sicken them.

A notable example of the effect that polluted water can have on public health is the Santa Cruz River at the Arizona–Mexico border. Replenished by discharge from a nearby wastewater treatment plant, the river has been slowly polluted by sewage as the decades-old waste pipeline deteriorated. The governor of Arizona had to declare a state of emergency in 2017 as heavy rainfall ruptured the pipeline. After the breach, health officials found that E.coli bacteria levels were so high during an initial test, they exceeded capabilities of field equipment and surpassed recommended levels. Border patrol agents have suffered chemical burns from wading through the water due to the presence of industrial waste, including heavy metals, chemical solvents, and even DDT. The cost to replace the wastewater line is about $80 million , but finding the funding is proving difficult. The Arizona state government allocated $2.6 million in 2019 to help repair the sewer line, and a funding bill was introduced in Congress the same year with the goal of directing $4 million to cover future maintenance costs.

There is another health concern in addition to sewage contamination: Harmful algal blooms (HABs) can also cause serious illness in humans . Several species of phytoplankton produce toxins that can cause serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms in people who come in contact with or ingest them. Effects can include paralysis, seizures, vomiting, and cardiovascular problems, among others.

The impact on animals

It is estimated that beach pollution affects more than 800 species of wildlife around the world. More than 100,000 seabirds, sea turtles, seals, and other marine mammals die each year after ingesting plastic or getting entangled in it. Animals can easily mistake floating plastic for food, causing them to choke, sustain an internal injury, or starve. The ingested plastic can then move through the food chain, eventually reaching the stomachs of seafood-eating humans. Plastic pollution has become so overwhelming that it is even affecting sea turtles’ reproduction rates because it alters the temperature of the sand where incubation typically occurs.

HABs are also detrimental to marine wildlife. HABs consume oxygen when they die and decompose, creating dead zones—areas with little or no oxygen. This not only kills off feeding sources for larger aquatic animals but also destroys habitats. Some types of HABs also damage or clog fish gills or block sunlight for beneficial algae and seagrasses.

In 2015, parts of the U.S. West Coast experienced significant impacts of a large-scale HAB. The toxic bloom affected wildlife, including anchovies, seabirds, whales, and sea lions, and resulted in closures of recreational and commercial fisheries in California, Oregon, and Washington. The bloom involved the proliferation of Pseudo-nitzschia diatoms, a type of microscopic alga that produces a neurotoxin called domoic acid.

Local governments in the San Diego area have sued the federal government to stop sewage from spilling into the country from Mexico.

AP Photo/Elliot Spagat

The economic toll

In 2013 an NRDC report found that beaches in the United States had experienced more than 20,000 closings and advisory days in the previous year due to pollution and contamination. It found that more than 80 percent of the closings were related to near-shore bacteria levels that violated public health standards. Closed beaches directly impact the economies of coastal destinations: Americans take more than 900 million trips to coastal areas and spend around $44 billion on those trips every year. Beachside cities and economic activities associated with the ocean play a sizable role in the U.S. economy. Having these beaches closed due to pollution not only ruins the experience of beachgoers but adversely impacts local businesses and the tourism industry in the region.

Policy enforcement and change are two essential ways to address pollution on a national level. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the biggest responsibility to enact preventive and reparative programs and laws to protect our beaches. 

One of the solutions for beach pollution is enforcing all aspects of the Clean Water Act (CWA), including regulations pertaining to wastewater management, stormwater pollution, CAFO manure management , and oil and hazardous substance spill prevention and response. The amount of regulatory enforcement undertaken by the EPA varies according to the presidential administration. The Obama administration adopted rules that generally implemented the protections of the CWA appropriately, but the Trump administration has taken several actions to undermine the law’s enforcement.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is also working in collaboration with the EPA and other federal agencies to control nonpoint source pollution through monitoring and assessing the exact causes.

You can speak up for policies that you support by contacting your federal, state, and city representatives. To make a real impact on beach pollution, encourage lawmakers to pass legislation that limits agricultural pesticides and promotes organic farming and eco-friendly pesticide use, cuts down on industry and manufacturing waste, and increases funding for state water-quality monitoring and notification programs to inform the public about possible health risks. 

You can also support state and local legislation that encourages green infrastructure as a control on stormwater runoff. Porous pavements, green roofs and parks, roadside plantings, and rain barrels are all able to stop rain where it falls—letting it evaporate or filter into the ground—instead of carrying runoff into our coastal waters. They can also help cleanse the air, reduce asthma, save on heating and cooling costs, and boost economies.

Personal action, too, can go a long way in reducing beach pollution. Beaches are for the public to enjoy, and it is also our responsibility to help keep them clean. There are easy everyday steps one can take to help reduce ground leaching of chemicals and toxic materials, reduce carbon emissions, and protect marine wildlife, such as eating organic foods to limit the demand for pesticides, cleaning your home with natural ingredients, and avoiding chemical pesticides in your yard. We can also work together to minimize plastic use to help save marine wildlife—and our oceans.

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A sea turtle mistakes a plastic bag for food. © Ben J. Hicks / benjhicks.com

One of the reasons that plastic pollution is such a problem is that it doesn’t go away: “plastics are forever.” Instead, plastic debris simply breaks down into ever-smaller particles, known as microplastics , whose environmental impacts are still being determined.

Plastic Pollution Solutions: 7 Things You Can Do Today

Everyone can do something to help solve the plastic pollution problem, and millions of people worldwide are already taking action to reduce their plastic use . Here are seven ways you can make a difference, starting today.

1. Reduce Your Use of Single-Use Plastics

Wherever you live, the easiest and most direct way that you can get started is by reducing your own use of single-use plastics. Single-use plastics include plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups, utensils, dry cleaning bags, take-out containers, and any other plastic items that are used once and then discarded.

The best way to do this is by a) refusing any single-use plastics that you do not need (e.g. straws, plastic bags, takeout utensils, takeout containers), and b) purchasing, and carrying with you, reusable versions of those products, including reusable grocery bags , produce bags , bottles , utensils , coffee cups , and dry cleaning garment bags . And when you refuse single-use plastic items, help businesses by letting them know that you would like them to offer alternatives.

2. Support Legislation to Curb Plastic Production and Waste

As important as it is to change our individual behaviors, such changes alone are insufficient to stop ocean plastic pollution. We also need legislation that reduces plastic production, improves waste management, and makes plastic producers responsible for the waste they generate. There are a variety of ways that you can support local, national, and international legislation that provide critical solutions to reduce plastic pollution. One such effort in the United States is the 2021 Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act , a comprehensive federal bill that aims to address the plastic pollution crisis, and there are a number of state level initiatives to introduce extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation that makes plastic producers and distributors responsible for their products and packaging at the end of life.

At the international level, hundreds of organizations and businesses successfully worked together with United Nations member states to enact a global plastics treaty , signed by 175 member states, that will set global rules and regulations to reduce plastic pollution. And legislation that limits, taxes, or bans unnecessary single use plastic items, such as plastic bags, takeout containers, and bottles, has been successfully enacted in many places globally, and you can support the adoption of such policies in your community too. Here is a comprehensive resource and toolkit on legislative approaches to limiting plastic bags, foodware, microplastics, and more.

3. Recycle Properly

This should go without saying, but when you use single-use (and other) plastics that can be recycled, always be sure to recycle them. At present, just 9% of plastic is recycled worldwide . Recycling helps keep plastics out of the ocean and reduces the amount of “new” plastic in circulation. If you need help finding a place to recycle plastic waste near you, check Earth911’s recycling directory . It’s also important to check with your local recycling center about the types of plastic they accept.

4. Participate In (or Organize) a Beach or River Cleanup

Help remove plastics from the ocean and prevent them from getting there in the first place by participating in, or organizing a cleanup of your local beach or waterway . This is one of the most direct and rewarding ways to fight ocean plastic pollution. You can simply go to the beach or waterway and collect plastic waste on your own or with friends or family, or you can join a local organization’s cleanup or an international event like our Global Ocean Cleanup  or the International Coastal Cleanup .

  Take Our 7-Day Fight Plastic Waste Challenge Join the global movement to fight plastic waste with our 7-day challenge. With just a few minutes a day, you’ll be on your way to reducing ocean plastic pollution from home. Take the Challenge

5. Avoid Products Containing Microbeads

Tiny plastic particles, called “ microbeads ,” have become a growing source of ocean plastic pollution in recent years. Microbeads are found in some face scrubs, toothpastes, and bodywashes, and they readily enter our oceans and waterways through our sewer systems, and affect hundreds of marine species. Avoid products containing plastic microbeads by looking for “polythelene” and “polypropylene” on the ingredient labels of your cosmetic products (find a list of products containing microbeads here ).

6. Spread the Word

Stay informed on issues related to plastic pollution and help make others aware of the problem. Tell your friends and family about how they can be part of the solution, or host a viewing party for one of the many plastic pollution focused documentaries, like A Plastic Ocean , Garbage Island: An Ocean Full of Plastic , Bag It , Addicted to Plastic , Plasticized , or Garbage Island .

7. Support Organizations Addressing Plastic Pollution

There are many non-profit organizations working to reduce and eliminate ocean plastic pollution in a variety of different ways, including Oceanic Society , Plastic Pollution Coalition , 5 Gyres , Algalita , Plastic Soup Foundation , and others. These organizations rely on donations from people like you to continue their important work. Even small donations can make a big difference!

These seven ideas only scratch the surface for ways you can help address the growing problem of plastic pollution in the oceans. The important thing is that we all do something, no matter how small. For more ideas and resources, sign up to join our Blue Habits community of people worldwide committed to joyful daily actions that improve ocean health.

  Reduce Plastic Pollution From Home with Our 7-Day Challenge Join the global movement to fight plastic waste by participating in our 7-day challenge. Take the Challenge

Oceanic Society community members clean up San Francisco’s Ocean Beach.

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How Do We Clean Up All That Ocean Plastic?

There are currently 75 to 199 million tons of plastic polluting our oceans, according to the World Economic Forum . This is a result of humans recycling only nine percent of plastic waste and dumping 10 million tons of it into the seas each year.

If we continue on this path, the annual flow of plastic into the ocean could triple by 2040 as plastic production continues to increase . Marine plastic pollution may be costing the world economy trillions of dollars every year because it affects fisheries, coastlines, tourism, marine life, and the food we eat.

Some ocean plastic ends up in one of five major gyres , systems of ocean currents that corral marine garbage into their vortexes.

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the largest gyre, located between Hawaii and California, covers 1.6 million square kilometers, an area twice as big as Texas. It’s estimated that it contains 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic, weighing almost 90,000 tons. While there are many identifiable floating items in the gyre—macroplastics such as cigarette butts, plastic bags, food containers, laundry baskets, plastic bottles, medical waste, fishing gear, and more—most of the plastic is the size of pepper flakes or smaller, broken down by the sun and waves over the years.

Despite the fact that the majority of large plastic pieces are spread out across the vastness of the oceans and the rest may be too small to collect, there are a number of organizations attempting to clean up the oceans.

Collecting plastic from the oceans

The most high-profile effort to clean up ocean plastic is being conducted by Ocean Cleanup , a Dutch nonprofit whose goal is to get rid of 90 percent of floating plastic pollution in the ocean. Its first collection system proved ineffective when plastic garbage was able to escape its barriers and a part broke off due to the winds and waves. Its more successful current iteration has removed 220,000 pounds of plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Ocean Cleanup’s system  consists of a large floating net-like barrier three meters deep that forms a large U shape which is slowly towed by two ships. The natural flow caused by the movement directs plastic to the central retention zone. Once a week, the two vessels come together to close the barriers, pick up the retention zone, and empty the plastic out onto one of their decks. There it’s separated into different recycling streams, packaged, and sent to recycling facilities onshore. The organization’s System 03 is in the works; it’s three times bigger and will reduce the cost per kilogram of plastic collected.

While Ocean Cleanup has received a lot of attention for its efforts, some marine biologists believe its methods could actually do more harm than good. They point to the fossil fuel-powered ships towing the barriers that emit 660 tons of carbon dioxide per month of cleanup. Ocean Cleanup says it offsets its emissions and that it is experimenting with biofuels.

Several ocean plastic experts are also worried that Ocean Cleanup’s system will harm marine life and could kill creatures even if they are returned to the ocean. Ocean Cleanup counters that fish can escape its system. In addition, there are breathing ports for mammals, birds, or turtles that get caught in the retention zone, underwater cameras to ensure that marine life doesn’t get entangled, and a remote-controlled trigger release which opens one end of the retention zone if a creature is trapped. Protected species observers are always onboard to monitor and document all animals.

Another concern is that Ocean Cleanup’s system could harm a little understood ecosystem called neuston—comprising insects, worms, snails, nudibranchs, crabs, sea anemones and more that float on the ocean surface much like the plastic—before scientists have even had sufficient time to study it.

Other critics say that Ocean Cleanup’s technique cannot get rid of the microplastics, and some believe lower tech strategies like beach cleanups are more effective because they prevent plastics from reaching the ocean in the first place.

Plastic on the beaches

While much of the plastic floating around in the gyres has been found to be decades old, it turns out that more of the recently produced plastic stays near shorelines. One study found that, for the first five years after entering the ocean from land, 77 percent of plastic remained on beaches or floated in coastal waters. According to Utrecht University oceanographer Erik van Sebille, most plastic in the ocean remains within 100 miles of the shore between the coastline and ocean, washing back and forth and scraping on the sand—a process that eventually breaks it down into microplastics.This means that beach cleanups may be one of the most effective ways of dealing with ocean plastics and microplastics.

A number of organizations regularly arrange beach cleanups for volunteers: The Ocean Conservancy , Surfrider Foundation , American Littoral Society , and Ocean Blue Project , to name a few.

Cleaning up rivers

Most plastic enters the ocean from rivers.

Scientists have found that 1,000 rivers around the world are responsible for 80 percent of the plastic in rivers that ends up in the ocean.

Ocean Cleanup also has river cleanup technology called Interceptors , solar-powered catamaran-like vessels that are put into the mouth of polluted rivers. As the water flows, trash is guided by a barrier onto the Interceptor’s conveyor belt which dumps it into a shuttle; the shuttle carries the trash to dumpsters on a barge that are brought to the riverside and emptied. The trash is sent to a waste management facility. So far, eight Interceptors have removed over 2.2 million pounds of trash from rivers in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.

In Baltimore Harbor, Mr. Trash Wheel catches plastic pollution from a local river. Its containment booms direct trash flowing down the river into its mouth where a rake lifts it onto a conveyor belt. The trash is dropped into a dumpster on a separate barge at the top of the belt, and eventually incinerated for electricity. A giant water wheel powers the rake and conveyor belt, but if the current isn’t strong enough, solar power is used to pump water onto the wheel to keep it going. Four trash wheels currently working in Baltimore have picked up 2,000 tons of trash including 1.5 million plastic bottles, 1.4 million foam containers, and 12.6 million cigarette butts. Trash wheels are being planned for Texas, California, and Panama.

AlphaMERS, an Indian company, makes stainless steel mesh fences that block river trash. They are strong enough to withstand fast currents that might overwhelm barriers. The angle of the barriers directs trash towards the shore where it is collected. Thirty-four fences are currently installed in eight Indian cities.

This year, a Dutch startup installed its first Bubble Barrier in an Amsterdam canal. A perforated tube placed diagonally at the bottom of a river pumps out air, generating a bubble curtain. The pump is powered by renewable energy if possible.

When the river current meets the bubble barrier, plastic waste is pushed to the side and into a catchment system. The technology enables ships and migrating fish to easily pass through the bubbles. A Bubble Barrier in Katwijk, Netherlands prevents plastics from reaching the North Sea, and others are being planned for Portugal and Southeast Asia.

Where is the rest of the ocean plastic?

Van Sebille’s research estimated that there are 276,000 tons of small floating plastic on the surface of the ocean. But scientists believe that between 5.3 to 14 million tons of plastic entered the oceans in 2010 alone. If what is found floating on the ocean surface represents only one percent of the plastic that ends up in the ocean each year, where is the rest of it?

Microplastics

Scientists think that the ocean contains 24.4 trillion pieces of microplastics — fragments of plastic less than five millimeters in length, or about the size of a sesame seed — weighing between 82,000 and 578,000 tons. There is likely more. Most microplastics come from synthetic clothing, personal care products, tires, city dust, and from the breakdown of plastic debris. Current technology is not able to filter them out at sewage treatment plants, so most of it washes out to sea and ends up in the ocean or in the sediment.

A sediment sample taken off the coast of Santa Barbara, CA showed the contents of the sediment from 1870 to 2009. In the layers representing 1945 to 2009, researchers found plastic fibers one millimeter or smaller in size. As the years went on, the amount doubled every 15 years—an increase that reflects the actual rate of global plastic production. Australian researchers analyzing ocean sediments estimated that almost 15.5 million tons of microplastics now exist on the ocean floor.

Marine animals eat microplastics, which means they also ingest the toxic chemicals that were added to make the original plastic product flexible, colorful, waterproof, or flame resistant. Microplastics can also absorb other toxic chemicals and carry harmful bacteria. They have been shown to harm marine life by disrupting reproductive systems, stunting growth, and causing tissue inflammation and liver damage.

Because microplastics have been found in all marine life—even in the guts of tiny crustaceans in the ocean’s deepest trenches—they are part of the food chain and are also consumed by humans. Microplastics have already been found in human blood, feces, and in the placentas of unborn babies, but so far there have been no large definitive studies on how microplastics harm human health.

Beizhan Yan is a Lamont Associate Research Professor at Columbia Climate School’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory,  where he specializes in plastic pollution. He is collaborating with researchers from the Columbia Chemistry Department and the Mailman School of Public Health to examine the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics (tiny pieces less than one micron in size) in humans—what exposure levels people have, how the plastic particles get into the blood, whether microplastics are transported to the organs, and whether they are able to cause adverse health effects.

Yan is also working with Riverkeeper, Philip Orton from Stevens Institute of Technology, and his colleague Joaquim Goes at Lamont to study the sources and environmental fate of microplastics in NYC waterways . Cleaning up microplastics while also protecting ecosystems will not be easy.

Yan said, “Those tiny microplastics coexist with many other minerals and fine particles, like silt, clay, plant debris, and black carbon—all sorts of other particles, whether natural or anthropogenic. They have a similar size and density, so it’s difficult to efficiently separate microplastics from other particles. In terms of concentration or mass, the microplastics are probably less than 0.1 percent of the total mass of these particles.” He believes that in the future, researchers may develop technology to separate the elements out efficiently, but today it does not exist.

There are, however, ongoing efforts to deal with microplastics. NASA’s Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System can help track microplastics as they move by analyzing where the ocean surface is smoother and thus likely to have more microplastics. This enables organizations attempting to clean up microplastics to identify the areas of greatest density.

Numerous experiments are being conducted to capture microplastics. Wasser 3.0 , a German company, uses a special non-toxic compound which, when circulated in a vortex, pulls microplastics into popcorn-like clumps that can then be collected. The technique could be used in sewage treatment plants or industrial processes. It is already being used in a paper processing plant and a wastewater treatment plant in Landau-Mörlheim where it has removed 600 pounds of microplastics.

Some scientists discovered enzymes that can break down polyester. Researchers from Hong Kong Polytechnic University devised a sticky biofilm from a bacterium that can incorporate microplastics. At the University of Adelaide, scientists created spring-shaped carbon nanotube magnets that grab microplastics and break them down into harmless water-soluble pieces. And a chemistry student in the Netherlands invented a device where microplastics attach themselves to a magnetic liquid; the contents can then be removed with a magnet, leaving only water behind.

Yan contends that the most cost-effective way to deal with plastic pollution, however, is to control its sources. For example, sewage is one of the primary sources of microplastics, though microplastics originate from the products people use. Studies show that most of the microplastics in sewage effluent are microfibers that come from laundry —washing machines and driers. Yan’s study of New York City waters found that more than 90 percent of the microplastics greater than 0.2 millimeters were microfibers shed from clothing, transported by the wastewater of washing machines. With more and more people dressing in clothes made from synthetics that shed microfibers, it’s unlikely that the fashion business will stop using these materials, so microfibers must somehow be prevented from getting into the sewage system to begin with. Yan and researchers from SUNY Stony Brook and North Carolina State University are proposing a study to NOAA to develop advanced filtration techniques that can capture microplastics and fibers from the laundry and repurpose them into new fibers for use in the fashion industry.

Plastic on the seafloor

In addition to the microplastics accumulating in sediments, larger plastic also sinks to the seafloor. One study found that 50 percent of the plastic in landfills is denser than seawater, which means these objects may sink on their own. The other 50 percent can be colonized by barnacles and other organisms over time, making them heavier than seawater, so eventually they sink as well.

An image that has become iconic is that of the plastic bag found in the Mariana Trench, the deepest point in the ocean, 36,000 feet below sea level in the Pacific Ocean. Other single-use plastics have also been found on the ocean floor and while there have been a few limited estimates of how much plastic resides in certain areas, there is no data for most areas of the overall seafloor.

According to Yan, the two fundamental questions about plastics on the ocean floor are: where are the macroplastics, and are they causing trouble?

“The scientific community can use models to figure out where most of these plastics are, because we don’t know right now,” he said. But cleaning up the plastics on the ocean floor is challenging because they settle so deep, and a cleanup would be very costly. Another concern is that plastics on the ocean bottom become part of the ecosystem. “Some of the animals use the plastics and live with them,” Yan said. “How do you do a cleanup without interfering with the ecosystems of those animals?”

Yan believes that scientists may eventually develop an underwater drone that can identify macroplastics and gather them from the ocean bottom. However, this would be expensive because of the need to lower the drones, pick up the macroplastics and bring them to shore, and possibly the need for trained pilots to operate the drones.

Reducing ocean plastic

While cleanup technologies have a role to play in cleaning up ocean plastic, no single solution can effectively reduce ocean plastic. What is required is fundamental and systemic change that includes the banning of single-use plastics in favor of products designed to be recycled or repaired, and more recycling infrastructure. Breaking the Plastic Wave, a Pew Report, identified the measures which, if implemented, could cut annual dumping of plastic into the ocean by 80 percent in 20 years. These include reducing plastic consumption, substituting plastic with compostable materials, designing products and packaging with recycling in mind, increasing recycling, proper disposal of plastics that can’t be recycled, and reducing the export of waste.

“To me, plastic is still a good thing,” said Yan. “With it, you use less steel, wood, and other resources. But the only way to correctly use it is to recycle it, reuse it, and repurpose it, rather than discard it in the environment. Pathetically, less than 10 percent of plastics are recycled right now. We should actively research affordable solutions to prevent plastics from getting into the environment.”

Towards that end, Yan is the director of the Plastic Pollution Analysis and Sustainable Solutions Network recently funded by the Columbia Climate School, bringing together more than 30 researchers working in environmental law, engineering, life cycle analysis, environmental health, and more.

“I think that for human beings, plastic pollution is the biggest pollution issue right now in terms of the total amount of the pollutants being generated, and how challenging it is to deal with,” said Yan. “But if we work together, we can solve these issues in the future.”

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The best article I’ve read about plastic in the ocean. It’s a depressing situation, but heartening to see what advances are being researched and worked on for the health of future generations.

I likely was the first to address this over 30 years ago in a series of lawsuits that lasted over 20 years. Marine micro plastic is a sponge for PCBs and has killed or displaced phytoplankton as the beginning of the oceans food chain. We eat it it’s in our air, rain, and unborn children. Industry and government spent millions defending it in court. Consiquently, phytoplankton is half gone in my lifetime. As it goes all life will soon follow. It’s fixable and as a bonus can halt global warming.

Very interesting article, and pleased to see the Columbia Climate School addressing plastic pollution. After graduating SIPA (MPA-ESP, 2006), I went to work for the NOAA Marine Debris Division to promote policy and science-based solutions. Progress has been made, but still challenged by behavior change – keep up the good work at Columbia!

It’s good that somebody is helping clean up the ocean. It hearts my heart when see animals die especially sea turtles.

You guys are doing a great job cleaning up the ocean!!!

The best article I’ve read about plastic in the ocean. It’s a depressing situation, but heartening to see what advances are being researched and worked on for the health of future generations.

indeed we need to help the ocean from plastic and i’m glad that there’s article’s to give tips on how to help the plant

At least someone is trying to help clean the ocean. I love dolphins and it hurts to see them die from all the plastic

I love this article it is one of the best. it really shows how much pollution affects our planet and the sea creatures on this earth. it is sad how people are causing to our planet and ecosystem.

what solutions can i use to prevent plastic from being in the ocean?

The challenge of ocean plastic pollution is immense, with millions of tons of plastic contaminating our seas. While cleanup efforts are commendable, they are not a panacea. The real solution lies in systemic change—reducing single-use plastics, promoting recycling, and fostering sustainable practices.

This was VERY helpful (not being sarcastic)

This is a really nice article.

Wow, this is such an important topic! Thanks for sharing this insightful blog post on how we can clean up all that ocean plastic. It’s crucial that we come together to find sustainable solutions and take action to protect our oceans. I appreciate you shedding light on this pressing issue!

Impressive article highlighting the urgent and complex challenge of ocean plastic pollution. Thank you for shedding light on the innovative efforts and ongoing debates in this crucial environmental issue. How effective do you think these cleanup initiatives will be in the long run?

Thank you for this enlightening article on the critical issue of ocean plastic pollution and its cleanup. Could you delve deeper into how individual and community actions, such as reducing plastic use and participating in local cleanup efforts, can effectively complement these larger-scale initiatives?

How does 14M tons of plastic affect sea levels?

So I wanna say that you should tell us how does giving jobs of cleaning the ocean affect the ocean and what are the differences.

I like the information but is there any way you could shorten it for a younger audience?

Nice article, BUT maybe touch on how we can prevent the ocean pollution (not being sarcastic)

Wow that is such an important topic! I wish this would be thaught more in schools!

thank you for these ways to help! ill def be trying lol

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7 Reasons Why Beach and Underwater Cleanups are Powerful

The Reef-World Foundation

September 30, 2021.

Have you ever looked forward to taking selfies or holiday photos on a secluded beach during your surface intervals only to find the beach covered in trash? Have you spotted the coolest critter underwater just to see it crawling out of a glass bottle? The truth is, trash is everywhere whether you look for it or not.

The trash in our ocean is a serious issue that threatens the marine ecosystem and those whose livelihood depends on it. The good news is that marine debris is a man-made problem, which means we can also be the ones that solve it!

This is where cleanup events come in handy. Here are seven reasons why beach and underwater cleanups are powerful:

Beach and coastal cleanups reduce the amount of trash that ends up in the ocean

Waves and currents from the ocean wash in a significant amount of the trash we find on our coastlines. This is (in some ways) a good thing. With the trash ending up back on land, it gives us a chance to make sure it doesn’t get washed back into the ocean. When on land, they are not floating freely in the ocean, where they pose a more significant threat to marine life. However, trash on land is still a threat to land animals.

The impacts of marine debris on marine and land animals are numerous. They are causing ingestion, suffocation and entanglement of hundreds of animals. For example, debris obstructing a baby turtle’s path into the ocean to start their life. Or an Albatross accidentally feeding on plastic, mistaking it for food and passing it onto their offspring.

Keep in mind that plastic products never truly degrade. They only break down into tiny fragments called microplastics (small plastic pieces less than 5 mm in length) that end up in our food chain. As much as marine debris is dangerous to marine life, it also has the potential to be hazardous to humans. So, cleanups will benefit both marine and land animals, including humans.

Underwater cleanups create a safer environment for marine life

Seahorses are supposed to hold onto corals and seagrass, not cotton buds or face masks. Whales should be able to swim freely and not be entangled by discarded fishing nets – also called ghost nets. Marine life is supposed to inhabit their natural environments without being harmed by artificial trash. You probably wouldn’t like it if someone dumped a load of rubbish outside your home, right?

Underwater cleanups can help remove these threats from marine habitats and make it a safer place for sea creatures to live in. Marine debris that has been exposed to the sun breaks down and releases chemicals into the ocean that could harm marine life and our health. So, cleanups also remove and reduce toxic chemicals in the water, which is good for everyone.

Cleanups are beneficial to the local communities

Trash isn’t just unsightly, but living amongst it can also affect physical and mental health. Litter such as broken glasses and sharp metal can cause injury. But more sinister than that are the toxic chemicals that can leach out of plastics, batteries and other materials, polluting surface and groundwater. 

Extensive collections of dumped trash can also attract pests from insects to rodents, which can spread diseases. Studies have shown that continued exposure to waste could have psychological effects, leading to a lack of self-worth and depression. A cleaner and greener environment can lift moods, and that means happier residents.

Clean beaches can help boost local economies

Many coastal communities rely on tourism for their livelihoods, from local restaurants to accommodation and water sport activities. No one wants a polluted beach as a background in their selfies, let alone staying in a dirty area. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that clean beaches attract more tourists. 

While that helps the local economy, tourists could further help with the marketing as well. By snapping selfies and posting stories of the beautiful beaches, they are spreading the news and helping to promote the area. Tourists are more inclined to promote clean environments, and in turn, benefit the local economies.

Great opportunity for trash data collection to inform new policies

Apps such as Clean Swell or Dive Against Debris help record and report vital data collected during cleanup events. Policymakers worldwide can use the data to influence and implement long-term solutions for reducing global ocean trash and improve waste management.

Sorting the trash while recording the data can show people first-hand what makes up most of our waste. That could make people more aware of their trash and hopefully instil the idea of going zero-waste or making smarter choices on their consumption.

Cleanup events are great for raising awareness on marine debris issue

You will meet a lot of people from all walks of life during cleanup events. From local children and adults to international visitors. Therefore, making cleanup events an excellent opportunity to raise awareness within the community and a wider audience. These events might even inspire some volunteers to organise or get involved in future cleanups! 

You can inform people what marine debris is, its negative effects on the environment and how to prevent it. Although trash is found everywhere and is widely known as a serious issue, some might not be aware of the actual underlying problems.

You can deliver educational content by playing interactive games that provide members of the public with environmental facts. For example, develop games using the “ Trash Breakdown Infographic ” to ask multiple-choice questions such as “ How many years does it take a plastic bag to break down in the ocean? a) 1-2 years b) 2-5 years c) 10-20 years ”.

This can increase community engagement significantly to inspire and empower people to make a lasting change to their waste management.

Able to dispose of the trash properly

By collecting trash on the beach and underwater, you are giving it a second chance. You might be surprised by the things you find during a cleanup. You could stumble upon items that you can provide a second life to by upcycling or recycling. Sorted trash from recording data also means you can dispose of the waste properly instead of just sending them all to the landfill.

Proper waste management improves more than just ocean health. It can increase economic growth, make us healthier and reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses. If you are inspired to organise your cleanup events, check out Green Fins Cleanup Guidelines to learn how to conduct them in an environmentally friendly way.

Don’t forget that while cleanups are great for removing the trash that already exists, being mindful of our waste consumption and reducing it is the best way to tackle the problem at the source!

Cleanup Guidelines

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• PLANET POSSIBLE

5 ways you can keep the planet clean this summer

Suppose we clean up our messes and recycle what can be salvaged. Isn’t that how Mother Nature would want us to behave?

Pick up some good, clean beach vibes.   Coastlines catch all kinds of trash: food wrappers , bottles—and lately, face masks . For International Coastal Cleanup Month, in September, environmental groups and local authorities are organizing virtual and in-person activities. In 2019 Ocean Conservancy volunteers worldwide collected more than 20 million pounds of beach trash. Search online for a beach plus “cleanup” to find events—or start your own pick-up posse.  

To grill without singeing the planet, avoid lighter fluid and easy-light charcoal, which emit chemicals. Or try a grill run on pellets of compressed wood scraps, waste that burns with little pollution.

Buy recycled

Patio decor from plastic. Sprucing up the backyard? You’ll find many eco-friendly options for outdoor accessories, from hardy, brightly patterned mats that once were soda bottles to biodegradable doormats made from coconut husks.

Stay shaded

Sunblocks that stay on. One way to ensure your sun protection is effective and reef safe is to wear UV-blocking clothes, which reduce the need for lotions or sprays. Look for a UPF, or ultraviolet protection factor, rating.

Eco-exercise

We have Sweden to thank for the green sport called plogging. From the Swedish term plocka upp (pick up), it combines jogging and picking up trash. The activity has been adopted around the world—and adapted: Consider going pliking or plalking where you live, to get fit as you pick up litter.

For more stories about how to help the planet, go to natgeo.com/planet

This story appears in the August 2021 issue of National Geographic magazine.

Related Topics

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4 ways to give the planet a summer break

5 new ways you can help the planet—today

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Trash talk: How waste audits can empower kids to protect the planet

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15 Things You Can Do to Help Keep Oceans Clean

By jason serafino | mar 5, 2020, 9:15 pm est.

Each year, millions of people plan trips to the most beautiful beaches all around the world for relaxing afternoons of sunbathing and swimming in the ocean. Our beaches and oceans are a natural wonder that should be taken advantage of, after all. But they're also facing a pollution crisis. From untold tons of plastic to carbon emissions and household chemicals getting into our waterways, the dangers facing marine life are mounting.

It's important to realize that it's not enough just to enjoy our oceans—we also have to keep them clean and actively protect them. And here are 15 ways you can help.

1. Educate yourself.

It's hard to clean up the ocean without knowing why and how it gets polluted in the first place. So the first step is to get informed. Go online, turn on a documentary , or grab a book from the library—there are countless ways to learn about the ocean without having to move off the couch. Learn how your plastic water bottle winds up in the ocean in the first place, or how the oil from your engine can travel through the sewer and into nearby bodies of water. You can even learn about lesser-known forms of pollution—did you know that even noise pollution underwater can kill marine life? The best way to begin your ocean advocacy is to know the hows and whys.

2. Cut down on plastic use.

There are plenty of reasons to cut down on the plastic you use every day, but if you want to do your part for the ocean, it's doubly important. To put it into sobering perspective: It's possible that around 8 million tons of plastic get into our oceans every year, harming plant life, water quality, and marine animals around the globe. To put that into further perspective, near Los Angeles, around 10 tons of plastic fragments find their way into the Pacific every day.

Single-use plastics are among the most wasteful, but they're also the easiest change you can make to your lifestyle. Instead of buying single-use plastic water bottles in bulk, switch to reusable bottles you can fill up again and again. There is also a movement among cities , countries, and certain restaurant chains to get rid of plastic straws, bags, utensils, and other smaller plastic items that can be easily swapped out for something more sustainable. Make that change in your own home, too.

3. Hold Companies Accountable.

It's not just individual consumers who need to watch their plastic consumption—it's local restaurants and global corporations as well. Find out which companies and businesses employ the best practices when it comes to packaging and plastic usage and which ones don't. If you feel like your local take-out place or café is being excessively wasteful, tell them. (Also, do your part by telling them you don't need any plastic utensils or paper napkins if you're planning to eat at home or the office.)

And if your issue is with a larger chain, get in touch with them on social media or write an email. Then you can start digging deeper. Harmful microbeads are banned in the U.S. [ PDF ] for their impact on oceans, but what about in other countries? And are the products you're using actually free of them? Find out, because while you may practice clean ocean habits, the companies you buy from may not.

4. Be aware of chemicals in your gardens and on your lawn.

Pesticides, fertilizers, weed killers—three things that are ubiquitous on lawns and gardens around the world, but each can be very harmful for our oceans. Pesticides and weed killers work by using dangerous chemicals , and though your plants and yard may benefit, those chemicals can easily get into our water systems. And if you live close enough to an ocean , they’ll likely end up there.

Fertilizers have an interesting effect on the eco-system. The excess nutrients can be carried by rain and wind to various water systems. Once in rivers, lakes, streams, and oceans, these nutrients can help with the growth of algae at an unnatural rate. When this happens, the algae's natural toxins can not only poison marine life, but the algae itself can use up the oxygen in certain areas of water, making it impossible for anything else to survive. These are called " dead zones ," and the roughly 500 of them around the globe cover some 245,000 square kilometers (that's about the size of the UK). Luckily, there are ways to have and maintain a garden while being responsible to the environment.

5. Recognize the harm of individual litter.

Picking up after yourself on the beach should go without saying, but just take a look around the sand the next time you're by the shore—obviously someone didn't get the memo. Stray bottles, cans, bags, and napkins can be ubiquitous along waterways, and even just one piece of litter can pose a problem. This garbage can be picked up by the wind, get stuck around the necks of birds and other animals, and carried back out to sea by the tides. Keep anyone in your party accountable for their messes, and if you encounter some trash that isn't yours, pick it up anyway and throw it away. That plastic bag or discarded soda can is an immediate threat to any marine life that could get caught in it, so be sure to do your part.

6. Volunteer your time to clean up.

Picking up litter while on a beach vacation is great, but you can also organize your own cleanup in your community if you live near an ocean. First, talk to local politicians and community groups to see if there's an existing ocean cleaning effort in your area. If not, go through those channels to help organize one. This is a great way to call on townspeople in your area—including friends, strangers, and local schools—to help beautify the area and teach positive habits when it comes to maintaining a cleaner ocean.

7. Donate to an ocean charity.

Not everyone lives near an ocean to help do the legwork, but a simple donation can go a long way. Research charities in your state or around the country that help clean the ocean and see if they're holding a fundraiser or collecting supplies for a cleanup effort. In addition to donating to cleanup charities, there are also ways to give money to research efforts, conservation groups , and educational foundations .

8. Watch what you flush.

Medicines have been detected in groundwater and in marine life in the past, likely from being flushed and lingering in water systems afterwards. And 4500 wet wipes were found in a 154 square-meter portion of the Thames river in 2017—a byproduct of a bathroom staple that doesn't break down in the flushing process like people think. These are just two examples of products that are often flushed or poured down a drain without a second thought but could build up over time and pollute local waterways, soil, and oceans. Cotton balls, floss, cat litter, insecticides, vegetable oil, paint—this is a snapshot of things that are harmful for oceans and marine life if flushed. So next time you open that toilet lid to discard a harsh cleaning agent, find out if it's safe.

9. Conserve water.

Any of the water you use in your home is later sent to a sewage treatment plant [ PDF ] where the pollutants are removed before being reintroduced into local bodies of water. The problems come not only when harmful products and chemicals are flushed, but also when we simply use too much of the available water. As the Surfrider Foundation points out, excess water at these treatments plants can overwhelm the systems—many of which are older anyway—leading to pollutants getting through and finding their way into oceans, rivers, streams, etc.

To do your part, simply conserve the use of water in your home. Take shorter showers , don't leave sinks running, and cut down on any superfluous activities like washing your car for long periods of time.

10. Don't throw anything overboard.

Whether you're out on a cruise or fishing on a lake, be mindful of what you leave behind. Never throw any trash overboard, even if you think it's harmless, like a stray fishing hook or line, or something small like a used piece of chewing gum or a cigarette butt. There's a ripple effect to any foreign item that enters a waterway, and often the consequence is that those tiny items amass into a large problem for the local ecosystem. Encourage those around you to be similarly mindful, and take proactive measures to ensure garbage and recycling bins are onboard during your trip.

11. Watch what you eat.

Being a responsible seafood consumer is a vital part of ocean conservation, and knowing what fish you're eating and where it's coming from is a big part of that. Familiarize yourself [ PDF ] with the fish you buy and where it was caught when you pick out your next meal, and ask your local supermarket chain or restaurant if their selection of seafood has been farmed in an ethical way that protects the ocean's ecosystem and doesn't pollute the water in the process.

12. Reach out to your elected officials.

What's your state representative or governor's stance on ocean pollution and conservation? Is your state considering offshore drilling, which can result in accidents that impact the environment? Find out what the politicians in your state are doing about the environment and see if it's a plan that will provide a cleaner ocean for future generations. If your state is in a good place, ask if there is a chance to volunteer to help realize the goals of your elected officials. If your state isn't doing enough about the oceans, write letters and get in contact with both elected officials and local environmental clubs of influence.

For instance, the Pacific Fishery Management Council recently voted to protect approximately 140,000 square miles of ocean from bottom trawling, a move that will prevent commercial fishing nets from harming coral and rocky reefs in that area. According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, who were also involved, this vote was a result of five years worth of research and lobbying from environmental groups and charities, and thousands of letters from activists and concerned citizens.

13. Keep up-to-date on the latest environmental news.

Taking care of oceans and waterways requires vigilance, and staying informed is vital to that cause. Read up on the latest products that have been deemed harmful to the ocean or environment (like this recent study on why black plastic can't be recycled the same way as other plastics); keep an eye out for any environmental tragedy, like an oil spill or a tropical storm in your area that requires a cleanup; and be sure you're in the know about any organized rallies or fundraisers you can take part in.

14. Understand your carbon footprint.

Carbon dioxide isn't just responsible for pollution in the air —it also makes its way into the ocean. In fact, about a third of manmade CO2 makes its way into the ocean, which equates to about 22 million tons a day. This can cause acidification of the water, which affects the health of the marine life—especially shelled animals —that live there. Taking stock of your own carbon footprint is important, and it becomes even more urgent when you think of the impact it has on everything. Climate change is all connected with one danger leading to another, leading to another, and so on. See how your energy habits can be more sustainable for the environment and make some much-needed adjustments. Simply driving less, buying energy efficient lights and appliances, and using fewer disposable goods can help.

15. Share what you know with friends and family.

Don't keep all this knowledge to yourself! Bring up some of the more important facts to friends and family next time you're at the beach or out at a seafood restaurant. Invite them to join you for a cleanup, and encourage them to be mindful of their own carbon footprint. Your enthusiasm for healthy oceans and environments could be contagious, and you may soon find yourself with a network of like-minded individuals looking to make a difference.

Do Beach Cleanups Really Make a Difference?

• By Ocean Blue Environmental News Blog

They do, actually. The piece of litter you picked up meant one less piece of litter that could end up in our oceans.

Beach cleanup projects work the same way but in bigger numbers.

Beach Cleanup Activities 

Beach cleanups come in various forms and are organized by numerous entities to address the issue of coastal pollution. One notable example is the International Coastal Cleanup Day, which takes place every year on the third Saturday of September. This global event brings together millions of volunteers from around the world who dedicate their time and effort to cleaning up beaches.

In addition to this large-scale initiative, local communities also arrange their own beach cleanups.

These are often facilitated by environmental groups, non-profit organizations, schools, and businesses within a specific area.

These community-driven efforts aim to involve and educate individuals on the significance of environmental responsibility and the preservation of coastal ecosystems.

Corporate companies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) also contribute to beach cleanups as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts.

This demonstrates a shared commitment to safeguarding the environment and promoting sustainable practices. Moreover, there are special beach cleanup programs designed for youth and schools, with an emphasis on education.

These initiatives serve as educational platforms to teach students about the importance of environmental awareness and the impact of their actions on the ecosystem. By actively participating in these cleanups, students gain firsthand experience in preserving the beauty of coastal areas and protecting marine life.

It’s worth mentioning that beach cleanups are not limited to organized events and educational programs. Surfers and water sports enthusiasts often arrange their own cleanup activities to safeguard the ocean, recognizing the direct impact of pollution on the waters they enjoy. These grassroots efforts demonstrate the dedication of individuals who are passionate about preserving coastal environments. Overall, beach cleanups encompass a wide range of initiatives, from large-scale global events like the International Coastal Cleanup Day to local community cleanups, corporate and NGO-driven efforts, educational programs for youth, and the grassroots initiatives led by surfers and water sports enthusiasts.

Together, these diverse initiatives aim to promote environmental awareness, preserve the beauty of coastal areas, and protect marine ecosystems.

Beach cleanup projects protect our aquatic ecosystems from the harmful effects of pollution. They work on a larger scale. They clean up a lot of terrain.

Take nurdles , for example. Nurdles are little plastic pellets used in plastic production. Nurdles are tiny to the naked eye but can be devastating to aquatic ecosystems. Why? Because large amounts of nurdles can make their way into our water systems, according to NOAA . Near manufacturing sites, the numbers of nurdles found in bays can be as much as 30,000.

This Is Where Beach Cleanup Projects Come in

Beach cleanup projects produce results. This is how it works. Reducing our use of plastic reduces our personal carbon footprint. Removing debris from beaches reduces the effects of pollution on our oceans. It’s the same idea.

Environmental advocates come together for the same cause. The cause is to restore our oceans, beaches, rivers, and other aquatic ecosystems. During a beach cleanup, volunteers scan the sand for any debris. Debris can be anything from plastic bags, microplastics, fabrics, or any other kind of litter. Before the high tide comes in, volunteers steer the litter away from the ocean.

That way litter ends up in garbage bags, away from the ocean, where it belongs.

Debris Collected From Beach Cleanups Ends up Where It Belongs: Far From the Ocean

The closer plastic is to shore, the more likely it will end up in the ocean at some point. It’s like a sandcastle built too close to shore. The waves will consume it. 

Beach cleanup projects remove litter from the shoreline and ensure its proper disposal. Microplastics and recyclable materials are often found during beach cleanups. Through proper disposal, these materials transform into recycled products. Waste facilities collect the rest of the debris found through beach cleanups. That way litter stays off our beaches.

Organizations gather a team of volunteers to aid in beach cleanups. They also create a network of businesses and organizations with the same vision. They work together for ocean and beach conservation initiatives.

What is a beach cleanup like?

You might imagine working away under a scorching sun. You might imagine miles and miles of terrain to cover. You might imagine your knees deep in debris. These are common misconceptions. The reality is much brighter.

A beach cleanup is more like the last vacation you had at the beach. Beach cleanups are events created for groups, communities, and families. They offer a chance to learn more about marine ecosystems. Volunteers get a chance to contribute to ocean conservation through action. Organizations like Ocean Blue Project, restore beaches through beach cleanup projects.

You Don’t Have To Swim With Sharks To Save the Ocean

We can’t all be a shark whisperer superhero like Cristina Zenato. What we can do is be a part of beach cleanups projects.

These projects make oceans much safer for marine life to thrive in. Beach cleanup projects are a safe way to restore oceans and clear debris from beaches. They also give experts a chance to educate the public on ocean conservation.

Organizations, such as Ocean Blue Project, ensure safety. They bring the community together through safe measures. Organized beach cleanup projects bring people together.

Beach cleanups engage volunteers. They create networking opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. Plus, they’re educational.

Small Efforts Lead To Big Differences

Beach cleanup projects are like ripples in a pond. They aid in beach restoration. They prevent debris from flowing back into the ocean. They also protect marine life from getting killed due to debris.

Marine life often suffers from the harmful effects of pollution. They suffocate from eating litter mistaken for food. They can die from getting trapped or caught in debris found in the ocean.

Turtles, seagulls, whales, dolphins, and many more species suffer because of pollution. Unattended litter makes its way deeper into the sea .

Beach cleanup near me and Ocean cleanup projects pick up litter on the shore. This prevents litter from making its way into the ocean. This way, volunteers create a brighter future for our marine life. How does plastic end up on beaches ?

Stats & Facts

Not all debris is equal. Some materials take longer to break down once they are in the ocean. Plastic bottles and plastic straws wreak the most havoc, taking over 199 years to break down.  A total of 8 million tons of plastic float somewhere in the ocean, according to Ocean Blue Project.

Many ocean conservation organizations help protect the ocean through beach cleanup projects. Ocean Blue Project removed over 1 million pounds of debris from beaches and waterways since 2012. It removed 82,582 pounds of debris in 2019 alone.

Beach Cleanups Groups

There are numerous online resources available that provide a wealth of information on beach cleanups. Below are some valuable resources worth exploring:

1. Clean Ocean Access: Clean Ocean Access is an organization focused on reducing marine debris and improving the cleanliness of coastal areas. They offer guides and resources for organizing beach cleanups, as well as information on the impact of marine pollution and strategies for prevention.

2. 5 Gyres: 5 Gyres is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering action against plastic pollution. Their website provides resources and educational materials on beach cleanups, plastic pollution reduction, and advocacy efforts. They also organize research expeditions to study plastic pollution in various marine environments.

3. Coastal Care: Coastal Care is an online platform that collects and shares information on coastal and marine environmental issues. Their website offers articles, reports, and resources related to beach cleanups, coastal conservation, and marine pollution solutions.

4. International Coastal Cleanup (ICC): The ICC is an annual global initiative organized by the Ocean Conservancy. While mentioned in the previous article, the ICC’s website provides valuable resources on beach cleanup efforts, including data on the most commonly found types of litter and the impact of marine debris.

5. Sustainable Coastlines: Sustainable Coastlines is an organization that encourages communities to take action against marine pollution. Their website offers information on beach cleanups, including guides for organizing events, educational resources, and initiatives focused on reducing plastic waste.

6. Save Our Shores: Save Our Shores is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the marine ecosystems of the Central Coast of California. Their website provides resources on beach cleanups, as well as information on marine debris prevention, coastal conservation, and local volunteer opportunities.

7. World Cleanup Day: World Cleanup Day is a global movement that aims to mobilize individuals and communities to clean up their local environments. Their website offers resources on beach cleanups, including toolkits, educational materials, and information on how to get involved in cleanup events worldwide.

8. National Geographic: National Geographic features articles and resources on various environmental topics, including beach cleanups and marine conservation.

Their website provides practical tips, inspiring stories, and insights into the global efforts to combat marine pollution. Remember to also consider local environmental organizations or non-profits in your area, as they often have valuable resources and event listings for beach cleanups specific to your region.

Ocean Conservancy, a similar organization, recorded removing 20,772,394 pounds of debris in 2019. They work with large corporations to organize beach cleanup projects around the globe. They reported picking up a total of 32,485,488 pieces of litter in total.

Take Action

Ocean Blue Project is a non-profit organization conserving our oceans, beaches, and rivers.  Through action, education, and news, we strive to make a difference for our environment.

We organize microplastics cleanup projects to rehabilitate aquatic ecosystems. Our environmental news blog educates the public on the latest updates and our work.

We work with volunteers and communities around the nation to restore aquatic environments. Learn more about how our organization aids in ocean, beach, and river conservation. Subscribe to our blog now.

Beach Cleanup Facts Scuba vs Beach Cleanup

Scuba diving cleanups, as opposed to regular beach cleanups, specifically target coastal areas beneath the water’s surface, particularly in popular diving and snorkeling spots.

These cleanups are carried out by scuba divers who venture underwater to rid the ocean floor of litter and pollutants.

Different from their shoreline-focused counterparts, scuba diving cleanups tackle the distinct challenges of marine pollution and strive to preserve the health and natural splendor of underwater ecosystems.

What is International Cleanup Day?

International Coastal Cleanup Day is a widely recognized event that occurs once a year in numerous countries and locations across the globe. It brings together millions of dedicated volunteers on the third Saturday of September, making it an extensive and influential initiative aimed at tidying up coastlines.

This organized effort is renowned for being one of the largest and most widespread cleanup campaigns worldwide, with its primary objective being the preservation of coastal environments.

Who Initiates Beach Cleanups In Local Communities?

Beach cleanups in local communities are usually initiated by a combination of local community members and environmental organizations.

Ocean Blue Project host over 200 cleanups all over the United States annually. Our beach cleanup program continues to grow and making larger environmental impact daily. 

Whether it’s a coastal town, a city near the beach, or even inland communities concerned about the environment, these groups take the initiative to organize beach cleanups to tackle pollution issues and promote the importance of marine conservation.

Community Beach Clean Up Project Ideas

Industrial ports and harbors require beach cleanups due to the substantial maritime activities occurring in these locations. These activities generate a considerable amount of pollution, particularly from shipping-related waste. Without proper intervention, this waste can easily enter the ocean, posing a significant threat to nearby coastal ecosystems. Therefore, beach cleanups in industrial ports and harbors are crucial in preventing the harmful effects of shipping-related waste on the environment and preserving the well-being of these coastal ecosystems.

Do Remote and Uninhabited Beaches Require Cleanups?

Remote and uninhabited beaches often require cleanups due to the persistent issue of pollution caused by debris that is carried to these shores from faraway locations. Despite their isolated nature, these pristine beaches can still fall prey to contamination as various types of waste, garbage, and other detritus are washed ashore by ocean currents . In order to preserve the natural beauty and ecological health of these remote areas, conservation organizations frequently organize specialized expeditions aimed at cleaning up the accumulated debris and protecting these untouched coastal landscapes.

How Does Beach Clean Up Help The Environment and In Marine Protected Areas?

Beach cleanups play a vital role in marine protected areas by safeguarding the conservation of marine life and its habitats.

In these specially designated areas, the well-being of fragile ecosystems takes precedence, which makes beach cleanups an essential activity.

By organizing cleanup initiatives specifically tailored to these marine protected areas, the impact of human activities on these delicate ecosystems can be minimized effectively.

This helps to maintain the ecological balance and integrity of these regions while ensuring long-term protection of marine biodiversity.

Benefits of Ecotourism

There are several tourist destinations around the world that prioritize the cleanliness and maintenance of their beaches by regularly organizing beach cleanups.

These destinations include tropical islands known for their pristine shores, coastal resorts nestled along picturesque coastlines, and beach resorts that offer a combination of stunning scenery and recreational activities.

By conducting these frequent cleanups, these destinations aim to preserve the charm and natural beauty of their beaches while also safeguarding their vital tourism industry.

Ocean Cleanup Project Failure and Disadvantages

Beach cleanups, while important and valuable, do come with their fair share of disadvantages. These include:

1. Temporary Solution: Although beach cleanups remove litter and debris from the beach, they do not address the root causes of pollution. Without dealing with issues like overconsumption and improper waste disposal, the problem of marine pollution will persist, and beaches can become polluted again shortly after a cleanup.

2. Inadequate Focus: Beach cleanups primarily target visible pollution on the shores but fail to address pollution already present in the ocean or the sources of pollution on land . Microplastics , for example, are challenging to remove and can have long-lasting effects on marine life .

3. Logistical Challenges: Organizing and conducting beach cleanups can be logistically complex, particularly in remote or hard-to-reach locations. Transporting volunteers, coordinating cleanup efforts, and managing waste disposal can be both intricate and costly.

4. Volunteer Dependence: While volunteers play a crucial role in beach cleanups, their availability and commitment can vary. This can lead to fluctuations in the frequency and effectiveness of the cleanups, making it challenging to maintain consistent efforts.

5. Safety Risks: Beach cleanups expose volunteers to potential health and safety risks. Sharp or hazardous items, like broken glass or medical waste, may be present among the litter. Extreme weather conditions, such as high temperatures or heavy rains, can also pose health risks.

6. Disposal Challenges: Proper disposal of the collected waste can be problematic, particularly if recycling infrastructure is limited in the area. As a result, the waste may end up in landfills or be incinerated, contributing to other environmental issues.

7. Limited Impact on Ocean Pollution: Beach cleanups primarily address shoreline litter, but the vast amount of pollution already present in the open ocean may not be significantly impacted. Microplastics and other pollutants can travel long distances, making their effective cleanup challenging.

8. Time and Resource Intensive: Organizing regular beach cleanups requires significant time, effort, and resources. These resources could potentially be utilized for other conservation initiatives that directly address the root causes of pollution.

9. Ecosystem Disturbance: Large-scale beach cleanups can temporarily disturb beach ecosystems and wildlife.

The presence of many people and the cleaning process itself may disrupt nesting sites and scare away wildlife, causing unintended consequences.

Despite these disadvantages, beach cleanups remain valuable for raising awareness about marine pollution, engaging communities in environmental stewardship, and providing immediate relief to local ecosystems.

Moreover, it is crucial to complement beach cleanups with broader, systemic solutions that tackle the issue of marine pollution more effectively.

This includes efforts to reduce single-use plastic consumption, improve waste management, promote recycling, and advocate for sustainable practices on a larger scale.

Make a Donation

Ocean Blue Project works with volunteers who believe in our cause as much as we do. When you donate to Ocean Blue Project, you are donating to our four main programs. These include Microplastic Recovery, Cleanup Projects, Blue Streams & Rivers, and Blue Schools. When you buy merchandise from the Ocean Blue Project online store, the profits go directly into our projects, not pockets. All proceeds fund our cause. Your donations make all the difference.

Volunteer With Us – Beach Cleanup Near Me

Ocean Blue Project organizes volunteers year-round. Find an event near you or subscribe to our mailing list to receive the most up to date information on how to help.

Join us on our next beach, river, or ocean cleanup projects and be part of our network of water warriors. See how your skills can make a difference. Ocean Blue Project works with university students, schools, groups, and individuals. Connect with us and learn more about how you can contribute to our cause .

Author Bio: R. Heliot is a freelance copywriter. She is also a current MBA student at the University of Houston-Victoria. In her spare time, she loves to travel, hike, and swim in the ocean.

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11 Ways You Can Save the Ocean From Plastic Pollution

When the organization Parley For The Oceans released a video of a giant wave of plastic pollution , people were shocked. After a storm, massive amounts of plastic and garbage washed up on the shores of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic . Sadly, this is an occurrence that happens after every storm. In just nine days, volunteers collected more than 520 tons of trash from the beach.

Beyond the viral wave of garbage, our oceans and animals suffer from the everyday overuse and wrongfully disposal of plastic and trash. A report from WSPA found that between 57,000 and 135,000 whales are entangled by plastic marine debris each year, not to mention birds, turtles, fish and other species affected by plastic marine debris.

Keep the beaches clean and our oceans safe with these 11 small gestures that make a big impact.

1. Eat Sustainable Seafood

Sustainable seafood relates to seafood caught or farmed in ways that consider the long-term impact on a species, the ocean and the livelihood of fishing-dependent communities—it’s a practice of fishing that is focused on the longevity of the environment. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported three-quarters of the world’s fisheries are now overexploited, fully exploited or significantly depleted. By opting to only eat sustainable seafood, you are helping to stop practices like bottom trawling (when boats drag nets along the floor of the ocean scooping up and killing everything in its path) and the use of explosives to float paralyzed or dead fish to the top of the ocean. Look for terms like “line caught,” “diver caught,” “sustainably caught,” or “sustainably harvested,” when buying seafood at a grocery store or restaurant.

2. Dispose of Waste Responsibly

Did you know the average person throws away 4.4 pounds of trash… per day? All of that garbage has to go somewhere, and when the landfill is full, a lot of debris tends to end up in the ocean. Be aware of your daily waste and try to make cutbacks where possible, starting with what you buy at the grocery store. Be aware of how much food you actually need and the packaging that it comes in. Recycling isn’t limited to cans and plastic, when disposing of your used electronics, opt to trade them in instead of trashing them. Some companies, like Gazelle , will even pay you for your unwanted old cell phones. Get creative with your disposals; donate moving supplies to your nearest UPS store, donate old clothes to Goodwill or Salvation Army, use biodegradable products in your home. And, most importantly, be sure that what you are throwing away really is trash—find out what you can and can’t recycle, and then apply it to your daily life. Small steps really can make a big difference.

3. Ditch Plastic Straws & Use Reusable Instead

Imagine a string of straws that can circle the Earth two-and-a-half times. According to Be Straw Free , an organization that’s mission is to stop the use of plastic straws, Americans use half a billion straws every day, most of which end up in our oceans. After a video of a sea turtle having a plastic straw pulled from its nostril went viral, a nationwide movement has taken place. Become an advocate for the ocean by simply refusing to use plastic straws, tell local restaurants about the effort, many are already making the switch to paper straws. You can also buy reusable drinking straws for your own home .

4. Choose Ocean-Friendly Products

What you wear on your body in the ocean ends up in the ocean permanently. Choose only ocean-safe, biodegradable products like Stream2Sea . They have sunscreen and shower products that are affordable and totally ocean safe! Additionally, many products contribute to harmful marine life practices. Avoid purchasing coral jewelry, tortoiseshell accessories (many of which are made from hawksbill turtle shells), and shark products.

5. Reduce Your Plastic Usage

You’ve seen the videos of divers swimming in masses of floating plastic off of our most loved beaches. Plastic waste often ends up entangling sea creatures, destroying habitats and killing hundreds of thousands of animals each year. Cutting back on your everyday usage may seem like a big responsibility (and an even bigger inconvenience). Start small and work your way up to larger efforts. Limit your plastic usage by simply carrying a reusable water bottle, using non-disposable containers for food instead of disposable plastics and taking your own grocery totes to the store rather than using plastic bags (many stores will now offer a discount for this).

6. Limit Your Carbon Footprint & Energy Consumption

Your carbon footprint may seem minimal, but when the whole population is combined, energy and waste have mass effects on the ocean and climate change. Be conscious of the power and energy you are using daily – do you leave a light on in your closet? Or the fan in your bathroom on for no reason? These seemingly small actions add up, not to mention increasing your power bill. Try switching to eco-friendly energy practices, like using compact fluorescent light bulbs, turning off lights, taking the stairs and making reasonable changes to your thermostat.

7. Clean Up Your Beach

Join a local initiative to clean up your beach, and if you don’t live on the beach, clean up any trash you find not where it’s supposed to be—in the trash or recycling bin broken up to do as little harm as possible. On beach vacations, make a point to help out the beach you cherish so much. Challenge yourself by picking up a certain amount of trash every day. A beach clean up is also an excellent idea for team building, volunteer events and more.

8. Educate Yourself and Those Around You

Everyone loves hearing about someone’s passion. When you’re passionate about something, it shows! Educate yourself on the ocean and its creatures. Develop a deep, personal love for the planet you’re a part of and all its inhabitants. Share your personal passion with others and be a genuine advocate for marine life and the oceans. Get involved in community organizations like your local aquarium or marine program, follow marine programs on social media, and share their mission with your friends and family. Chances are, you will see something amazing, learn important life lessons and breed passion for the ocean in other people too!

9. Support Organizations Working to Protect the Ocean

Saving the ocean is a global effort. Seek out national and international organizations like Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium or Parley for the Oceans, and support them. Your support doesn’t have to be monetary—volunteer your time, share their message, get involved. Support what you believe in with your daily actions.

10. Enjoy the Ocean Responsibly

Whether you enjoy lounging on the beach with a good read, or boating in the Gulf on the weekend, practice responsible fun in the ocean. Never throw anything into the ocean or overboard, be aware of the animals and marine life around you and never dispose of fuel in the ocean. For vacationers, opt for an eco-friendly resort on your next beach getaway, or research options that care for the environment. Many hotels offer a green movement that limits the use of detergents, chemicals and trash during daily housekeeping.

11. Spread the Word

Let other ocean and beach lovers know how simple it is to make a difference. Simply share this article and the information in it with your friends, family, neighbors and social networks and lead by example to help everyone take small steps in the right direction.

Sign up for news on local beach cleanups, ocean conservation and more.

Easy Ways To Save Our Beaches And Keep The Ocean Clean

Did you know that 70% of the Earth is made up of water? What a beautiful world we live in! Each of us plays a part in saving our beaches and keeping the oceans clean. It’s easier than you think, and in this post, I’m sharing some easy ideas that make a big impact. Here’s a sneak peek: how to cut down on plastic, what not to flush down the toilet, and a few things to remember on your next beach trip.

In your daily life, how often do you think about the beach?

More often than not, when we think of the beach we’re daydreaming about an upcoming vacation. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! Being near the coast is definitely my happy place and I love walking along the beach, relaxing under an umbrella with a book, and watching the waves roll in.

How sad would it be if we didn’t have the beach to enjoy?

Why Should We Worry About Saving Our Beaches?

We have to take action if we want to enjoy the Earth’s coastal areas for years to come. Even though the beach might feel like just a vacation hot spot, it’s so much more. In coastal areas, the beach is a big part of the economy. Think of all the people that have jobs related to tourism – hotel staff, lifeguards, tour operators…. and so many more.

Beaches protect cities and towns from wind and waves and act as a buffer. They’re also a habitat for wildlife like sea birds, crabs, and seaweed and play a role in the ecosystem. Those adorable baby sea turtles? Beach pollution or erosion can really hurt their chances of a healthy life.

Why Is The Ocean So Important?

How we treat our beaches directly impacts the ocean too. Did you know that the ocean produces half of the earth’s oxygen? Plants like phytoplankton and kelp use carbon dioxide and sunlight to make oxygen that’s necessary for us to breathe.

The ocean also plays a big role in regulating climate and weather. Just like you might adjust your thermostat in your house to be more comfortable, the ocean balances the environment for us.

Similarly to beaches, the ocean also drives the economy through fishing, boating, tourism and ocean transport. Have you ever taken a cruise, boat tour, or rented jet skis? Those are just a few ways the ocean relates to industry. Not to mention it’s a food source for many people around the world (where are all my seafood lovers?)

How To Save Our Beaches

The good news is, there are simple ways to make an impact that aren’t costly or complicated. Here are some ways you can help save our beaches and keep the ocean clean:

Pick Up After Yourself (and pets)

This first one seems so obvious, but it’s a critical piece of saving our beaches. Simply put, pick up after yourself! Whatever you bring to the beach, take home with you . According to statistics, around 58 million people visit U.S. beaches every year – can you imagine if everyone just left one tiny gum wrapper behind? That would really add up to a lot of debris. And pet waste gets swept up the tides and can pollute the waters, kill fish, and result in bacteria growth.

Volunteer For A Beach Cleanup

Trash and debris ends up on the beach, sometimes even despite our best efforts to prevent it. A great way to get involved is to volunteer for a beach cleanup. It’s a really practical way to make an immediate change, and bring awareness to the issue . Beach cleanups happen in lots of places, including oceans and lake s. Want to volunteer? Here are a few resources to find a beach cleanup near you:

• VolunteerCleanup.org
• Ocean Conservancy Interactive Map
• Surfrider Foundation Cleanup Locator

Don’t Disturb Marine Life

The beach isn’t just a great place to hang out, it’s home to a variety of marine life. And it’s important that we don’t disrupt their habitat by touching them, feeding them people food, or otherwise bothering them . This includes things like removing coral from the ocean or taking home seashells that could have a crab inside. So leave it at the beach!

Be Careful With Open Flames

Having a beach bonfire? A few tips to protect the beach are to know the local regulations and be sure the fire is completely extinguished after you leave. You’ll also want to completely clean up your site once you’re done to avoid any remains getting into the ocean .

Make Smart Seafood Choices

The ocean represents a major food source, but it doesn’t come without challenges. Overfishing is a problem, and there are also fish on the endangered species list. This all impacts the ocean because it disrupts the food chain and creates an imbalance. What we can do to help is to be knowledgable about which fish are ok to eat (and which are not) . There are several great resources online and apps that can help.

Avoid Using Plastic

Plastic is one of the biggest problems facing the oceans today. Sadly, around 12.7 million tonnes of plastic waste ends up in the ocean every year. Besides polluting the water and releasing toxic chemicals, plastic in the ocean kills marine life like dolphins and sea birds.

What we can do to make a difference is to avoid plastic as possible and stop using single-use/disposable items . Plastic isn’t biodegradable, so it lives forever in the ocean or in a landfill. Opt for glass, aluminum or other materials when possible.

Read The Labels

Perhaps an unexpected way to protect the ocean is to be smart about the health and beauty products you use. There are a few ingredients proven to be harmful to the ocean that you’ll want to know about . Oxybenzone and octinoxate are commonly found in sunscreen and damage coral reefs. Microbeads are tiny pieces of plastic used in face and body scrubs that are toxic to marine life. Squalene is an ingredient found in moisturizing products that is gathered by killing sharks.

Other Ways To Contribute

Pretty easy so far right? Here are a few additional ways to keep our oceans and beaches clean (and encourage others to do the same!):

Support Businesses That Give Back

There are so many organizations, businesses, and charities that help raise awareness and donate money towards protecting the ocean . Be choosy about where you shop, and look for ways to give back. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• 11 Companies Saving Our Oceans
• Fashion Brands That Support Ocean Conservation

Be Mindful of Souvenirs

It’s not uncommon to see tortoise-shell accessories, shark tooth jewelry and chunks of coral at souvenir shops. But all of those examples represent bad ethical practices when it comes to marine life and the oceans . There are so many other great souvenirs to take home, so skip these and buy something else.

What Can’t Go Down the Drain or Toilet

Things that go down the sink drain or toilet eventually end up in lakes, rivers, and the ocean. So make sure you dispose of them properly! Here are a few things not to flush or drain:

• cotton balls
• contact lenses
• see the full list here

Educate Yourself

One of the best things you can do to save our beaches and protect the ocean is to stay informed. Sometimes all it takes is a little extra effort to make a smart choice. Here are a few resources if you want to learn more:

• Ocean Conservancy

Let’s Save Our Beaches!

So that’s it! Not too hard, right? If we all do our part to help, we can make a big impact on our oceans and beaches. Here’s a quick summary of what to do:

• Pick up after yourself (and pets)
• Volunteer for a beach cleanup
• Don’t disturb marine life
• Be careful with open flames
• Make smart seafood choices
• Avoid using plastic
• Read the labels
• Support businesses that give back
• Be mindful of souvenirs
• Know what not to flush or rinse down the drain
• Educate yourself

How To Deal With Wanderlust When You Can’t Travel

How To Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling

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• At The Coast
• In My Beach Bag

10 Ways You Can Help Save the Oceans

Oceans cover 71 percent of the planet and are home to important species and ecosystems that we rely on for food, livelihoods, climate regulation and more. But the oceans need our help. Saving the oceans can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task, but if we all pitch in, we can make a big difference.

Here are 10 lifestyle choices that – when adopted – can help protect and restore our oceans for future generations.

1. Demand plastic-free alternatives

The oceans face a massive and growing threat from plastics . An estimated 17.6 billion pounds of plastic leaks into the marine environment from land-based sources every year—that’s roughly equivalent to dumping a garbage truck full of plastic into our oceans every minute . And plastics never go away!

We must urge companies to provide consumers with plastic-free alternatives and say no to single use plastics such as straws, plastic cutlery, coffee cups, water bottles, plastic bags, balloons, plastic-wrapped produce and take-out food containers.

2. Reduce your carbon footprint

Carbon dioxide, a known greenhouse gas, is making our oceans more acidic. This is contributing to the loss of corals on a global scale as their calcium skeletons are weakened by the increasing acidity of the water.

You can reduce your carbon footprint by adopting some of these simple measures:

• Ride a bike, walk or use public transportation rather than driving a car.

• Turn off the lights when you leave a room.

• Put on a sweater in the winter instead of turning up your thermostat.

• Have some fun with your diet – buy sustainably caught wild seafood. It is a renewable resource that requires minimal freshwater to produce and emits less carbon dioxide than land-based proteins like beef.

3. Avoid ocean-harming products

There are many products directly linked to harming endangered or threatened species, unsustainable fishing methods and pollution. For example, avoid cosmetics that contain shark squalene, jewelry made of coral or sea turtle shell, souvenir shells of conchs, nautiluses and other animals , and single-use plastics like straws and water bottles that can end up in our oceans. These products support unsustainable fishing and threaten important species and ecosystems.

4. Eat sustainable seafood

Choose seafood that is healthy for you and the oceans from well-managed, wild fisheries. We know it’s hard to know what fish are okay to eat, which is why you can turn to these helpful resources:

• Print or download a guide from Seafood Watch to help you make sustainable choices when you buy or order seafood, and learn about eco-certification of seafood .

• Refer to these top chefs for sustainable seafood recipes .

• Consider adding small, oily fish that are packed with protein to your diet.

5. Vote on ocean issues

Electing public officials that support good ocean policies can help us protect marine life and our oceans. Do your research on candidates and make an informed decision, then exercise your right (and responsibility) to vote. And don’t let Election Day be the last time they hear from you. Follow up with your candidates and elected officials regularly to remind them of policies you care about.

6. Contact your representatives and lawmakers

Your representatives and lawmakers might not know how important these issues are that face our oceans. But they will if you tell them. It’s up to constituents like you to make lawmakers aware of the crises facing marine life and our oceans. Don’t be shy!  Take action with Oceana to directly contact your government representatives and lawmakers.

7. Explore the oceans

“People protect what they love.” – Jacques-Yves Cousteau

Get outside and explore the oceans around you! If you don’t live near the ocean, visit your local lake or river to learn how your watershed connects to the ocean. There are plenty of online opportunities to explore the oceans, too. Dive into Oceana’s Marine Life Encyclopedia to read fun and interesting facts about all kinds of animals from sharks and seals to octopuses and clownfish.

8. Leave nothing behind

As beach crowds increase, so does the amount of trash left behind or blown away. Don’t let your day outside contribute to the destruction of our oceans. Remember to leave nothing behind but your footprints — collect and dispose of your trash.

9. Share your ocean heroics with friends, family and coworkers

Tell people what’s going on with the world’s oceans and what they can do to join you in making a difference. Spread the word about petitions, share fun facts and join the conversation with us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and YouTube .

10. Join Oceana

More than 800,000 members and activists in over 200 countries have already joined Oceana – the largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation. Together, we’ve won over 300 victories and protected more than 4 million square miles of ocean . But there’s more to be done! Become an Oceana Wavemaker and continue your efforts to help save the oceans. As a Wavemaker, you’ll receive a monthly update on the latest ocean news and learn ways you can help protect marine life.

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June 28, 2018

6 Ways to Be an Environmental Hero at the Beach

Some ocean-friendly products and practices for the summer and beyond

By Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American

Summertime is upon us! As we prepare to hit the beach, let’s also think about how to help protect our increasingly threatened ocean. Here are six ways you can do good at the beach while looking good. Win-win!

First, leave the beach cleaner than you found it. Pick up trash even if it’s not yours. This means less plastic choking sea turtles and better Instagram photos. Every single minute, every day of the year , the equivalent of one garbage truck of plastic is dumped into our ocean. Crazy, right?! To further make sure you’re a part of the solution and not the problem, bring a reusable water bottle and commit to skipping the plastic straw in your daiquiri (#StopSucking). You can even log your cleanup with the Literatti app .

Second, choose coral-friendly sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens can be toxic to marine life, so choose a mineral sunscreen instead. Zinc can deflect harmful rays without costing more per ounce or messing with coral’s reproductive systems. Hawaii just banned sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, and this may become the status quo soon, so get ahead of the game and find your favorite ocean-friendly, brand now. Environmental Working Group’s Healthy Living app can help you find a high-protection, low-toxicity option. 

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Next, eat local seafood and eat lower on the food chain. Seafood often gets left out of the farm to table movement, but Dock to Dish is important too. Thirty-one percent of fish populations globally are overfished , but U.S. fisheries are among the best managed in the world. So, eat local—it will likely be fresh, sustainable, have a lower carbon footprint, and support local fishermen. 

On the flip side, international, industrial fishing is often unsustainable and even uses slaves to catch fish and to peel shrimp . Also, stick to shellfish and smaller fish—big fish like tuna, high on the food chain, are usually the first to get wiped out and the slowest to recover. This short video explains overfishing, what’s at stake, and why you should probably just stop eating shrimp . To learn more about which fish are the best choices, use the Seafood Watch app .

Speaking of marine life, be a hero for marine mammals. If you see an injured or stranded marine mammal , don’t touch, pick up, or feed it. And whatever you do, don't pass it around posing for selfies ! Instead, keep your distance and notify lifeguards and local authorities trained to help with rescue. To find out whom to call in your area, check out this Web site from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Or download the Dolphin and Whale 911 app . 

Also, put your money where your towel is, and donate to groups that help protect the beach. Maybe spend a little less on new stunner shades and point some cash toward conservation groups. For example, Ocean Conservancy works hard to make sure the right laws are in place to restore and protect coastal ecosystems. And Surfrider Foundation fights for clean water and helps save the waves, so we can hang ten without getting sick. Beyond donating, become a member of a local group—get involved as a volunteer and advocate for a healthy ocean.

Last, don’t leave your values at home when you go on vacation. You can have luxe accommodations and a clear conscience. 1 Hotels has been a leader in sustainability. Resorts certified by The Long Run meet high conservation standards. Edition Hotels has committed to eliminating single-use plastics by 2019. And consider a trip to Puerto Rico, Barbuda or another Caribbean island hit hard by hurricanes last year, so you can enjoy white and pink sand beaches and a strawless daiquiri while your dollars support hurricane recovery. 

It’s easy to think of the ocean as limitless, as too big for humans to ruin. But we can mess it up, and we have—between overfishing, chemical and plastic pollution, coastal construction, and warming and acidifying waters, the ocean is struggling. If you and your beach crew follow these six simple tips, it will definitely make a difference. And why stop when autumn comes? Stick with #TeamOcean all year round.

Big picture: If we don’t take care of the ocean, summer vacations will suck, no matter how fly we look at the beach.

Essay on Cleanliness of Environment for Kids

Kids nowadays are growing up in a world where they are constantly exposed to germs. They go to school, play outside and come into contact with people and things that can cause infections. The best way to protect themselves from getting sick is by being clean. Here is an essay on how you can help your kids stay clean and healthy by teaching them the importance of keeping their environment clean. When we think about the environment, the first thing that comes to mind is the pollution humans create. In reality, the cleanliness of our surroundings is just as important as our environmental responsibility . Read BYJU’S essay on cleanliness of the environment to learn the significance of keeping the environment clean.

The health of people and other living beings depends on a healthy environment. Clean air and water are essential for human health, while plants need clean soil to grow healthy. Keeping our surroundings clean can help protect our health and the environment. There is a famous saying, “ Cleanliness is Godliness ”, and we must follow some basic hygiene steps to maintain the same. Encourage your kids to participate in environmental education programmes. These programmes teach kids about the importance of conserving resources and keeping our planet clean. In addition, we have briefly explained the top five ways to keep our environment clean in this short essay on cleanliness of the environment.

Table of Contents

How to encourage good hygiene in kids, top 5 ways to keep the environment clean, importance of cleanliness.

Cleanliness is one of the most important things to maintain in our environment. It is not only good for the environment but also for all living beings. We need to encourage good hygiene in our kids if we want them to be responsible stewards of their surroundings. We have provided some ways to maintain the cleanliness of the environment here in BYJU’S essay on cleanliness of environment in English.

Set a good example yourself and keep your home clean. This will help your kids see that it is vital to take care of their environment. Help your kids learn about the importance of taking care of their bodies. Talk about how dirty our hands and feet can be, and show them how easy it is to clean them up.

There is no denying that maintaining a clean environment is something that we need to always keep in mind. It improves the overall look and feel of our surroundings, and it also helps protect the health of ourselves and the animals that reside in our ecosystem. This cleanliness of environment essay will discuss the top five ways to clean up our environment that positively impact both the quality of life and the environment itself.

• There are many ways that you can help keep the environment clean. The first way to keep the environment clean is by maintaining a healthy ecosystem and reducing the usage of chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
• Keeping the environment clean is essential for everyone. Children are the future of the world, and they need to learn how to care for the environment.
• Using less energy can save a lot of money in the long run. For example, if we use electricity to power our lights instead of a light bulb, we can save a lot of money.
• Recycling can also save money. If we recycle materials, such as paper, plastic, and metals, we will save a lot of money in the long run.
• Finally, using public transportation is one of the best ways to conserve energy and protect the environment. Public transit uses less fuel than driving in cars. It also reduces traffic congestion and air pollution.

Pollution is a problem any time it enters the environment. Across the world, pollution comes from several sources, including automobiles and factories. Pollution also comes from natural sources, such as rain, sea salt, volcanoes etc. Here are two reasons why it is vital to keep our environment clean:

• Good for our health : Pollution can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and even cancer. By keeping our environment clean, we can reduce the risk of these illnesses. It protects our resources. Polluting our environment harms natural resources such as water and air. We can save environment and these resources for future generations by cleaning up our act.
• It preserves our heritage : When improperly disposed waste ends up in rivers and oceans, it can harm fish populations and contaminate marine habitats. By keeping our environment clean, we can prevent pollution and preserve all the species in aquatic habitats as well as other living beings on Earth.

It is now commonly acknowledged that the health of our environment is linked to our own. We must take measures to clean up our act and preserve the natural resources we depend on. However, many people continue to put their convenience above all else, leading to an increasingly polluted world. We need to reduce the cause and make a difference. We can create a cleaner, healthier future for ourselves and for generations to come by doing so. For more kids learning activities, like essays , worksheets and stories , visit BYJU’S website.

Frequently Asked Questions on Essay on Cleanliness of Environment

What are some ways to clean the environment.

There are many ways to clean the environment. Some of the ways are recycling, composting and using green energy. Each of these methods has its pros and cons, so it is important to choose the one that best suits our needs.

What is the importance of a clean environment?

A clean environment is vital because it can help improve health and well-being because it reduces the exposure people have to harmful chemicals. It can also reduce the risk of accidents because it makes it easier to see and avoid obstacles. Finally, a clean environment is less likely to produce harmful emissions that can impact the environment and human health.

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