Are you wondering if there’s going to be a beach cleanup day this year? In September every year, Ocean Conservancy leads an international effort to clean up local beaches, picking up millions of pounds of trash.
The COVID-19 pandemic has meant a lot of event cancellations, but cleanup still needs to happen. Like Ocean Conservancy, AMC members and their families gather every year to clean up garbage at beaches in their communities. We’re disappointed we can’t all be together this year, but we’re still planning to clean up and hope you’ll join us!
Our beach cleanup day this year is July 25. We’re hoping you’ll be inspired to make a small difference in your community—because small efforts by many add up to make significant differences to our incredible parks and beaches. Here’s why you should join in and how to do so.
Why Should I Join Beach Cleanup Day?
Wildlife, the economy, and volunteers all benefit from cleaning up beaches and parks.
Whether 10 pounds or 100, there’s satisfaction in seeing a pile of trash being hauled away instead of ruining your beach or park. Then there are the economic benefits. Clean beaches and parks attract tourists, who stay and spend money in your community—resulting in millions of dollars in additional revenue.
There’s also the benefit to wildlife. Removing plastic can mean the difference between life and death for a bird or animal. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, plastic kills thousands of turtles, birds, and marine mammals every year when they ingest it or get entangled. Picking up trash also burns calories, so volunteers get health benefits as well.
How Do I Plan My Cleanup?
First, block out July 25—or another cleanup day—on your calendar. The next step is gathering all the supplies you’ll need for your park or beach cleanup day. We recommend taking a reusable water bottle and snacks. You’ll also need the following:
- Bags for yard waste
- Trash bags
- Gloves
- First aid kit
- Buckets, brooms, and dustpans
How Can I Stay Safe?
On July 25, COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions will still be in place. In Orange County, parks are open to passive recreation only—no team sports or playground use is allowed. Your cleanup crew will probably be small this year, with only members of the same household or residence participating. If you invite more people, remember to follow the CDC’s advice: No shaking hands or hugging. And remember to wear a mask, which is required in California if you can’t maintain at least six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live with you.
Cleaning up parks and beaches is a fun way to spend a summer day while making a difference in your community. So on July 25, join us in picking up trash around our local parks and beaches. Remember to tag Solara Apartment Homes on Facebook or @SolaraAptsCA on Twitter with the hashtags #AMCcleanup and #livehappy. We’d love to see the difference your making in our community!