A Word on Beach Trash

This weekend, Save The Bay will be kicking off International Coastal Cleanup in Rhode Island, sponsored locally by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. Throughout September, groups all over the state will be hosting local cleanups and tallying the trash they find. These tallies will help The Ocean Conservancy get an idea of what type of marine debris is located in the waterways around the world.

While every cleanup we host at Save The Bay is eye-opening to many of the volunteers, International Coastal Cleanup tends to really make volunteer stop, gasp, and think. I think it has to do with actually seeing a solid number on a piece of paper of how many pieces of trash they picked up of each item. Picking up a handful of cigarette butts is one thing. But knowing you picked up 150 cigarette butts is something completely different.

Today, this little PSA came across my email sent to me by a parent whose child made this piece. It's a short little animated piece on the dangers of debris in our waterways. Take a look! Watch with your kids! If it moves you to make an impact, join Save The Bay, or any of the other groups hosting ICC cleanups this month and come help keep Narragansett Bay and it's coastline free of trash and debris.

For a full listing of ICC cleanups, please visit www.keepriclean.org