If you are looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity, Coastal Cleanup Day is on Saturday, September 15. This significant global event benefits the environment, because every year billions of pounds of debris end up in our oceans! Most of these pollutants come from storm drains, sewers, and recreational activities in or near the ocean.
Volunteers with Heal the Bay collect trash, and an audit is performed to record the types of materials collected. Plastic debris will likely be found in abundance, and is one of the greatest dangers to sea life. Birds, sea turtles, and marine mammals often swallow floating plastic because it resembles food. They can choke or starve because their digestive systems get blocked when they eat it.
Volunteering with Heal the Bay is a wonderful way to protect these animals. Those of us who are not available on September 15 can always help in other ways:
- Use reusable water bottles and coffee cups;
- Refuse plastic straws when dining out;
- Don’t put plastic bags/wrap in your recycling bin;
- Use reusable grocery bags.
If you are able to attend the event, click here to learn more.