Across the globe, volunteers are hard at work clearing litter from the environment as part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC). For more than 35 years, the ICC has galvanized communities worldwide to collect trash that pollutes our waterways, making our coasts cleaner and our ocean healthier. You can be part of this global cleanup by joining or leading a community cleanup right here in Hampton Roads. Your local volunteerism will have a global impact. As they say, act locally, think globally!
Litter is unsightly wherever we see it – neighborhood streets, busy intersections, sports facilities, schools, neighborhood parks. But unless this litter is captured and properly disposed of, it’s likely to become marine debris (especially in a coastal community like the 757). Marine debris is simply litter in our waterways. Wind or rain carries litter from land out to streams and rivers which eventually join the Chesapeake Bay and/or Atlantic Ocean. Marine debris breaks down slowly and the most problematic materials, plastics, become microplastics from the wave motions. Plastics, both big and small, pose a risk to aquatic animals who can become sick or die from eating them. And if you enjoy a great seafood meal, I’m sure you’d prefer your catch of the day swim in clean water, not a plastic-filled soup.
There are several organized cleanups you can join this fall to help clear litter from our environment. Check the askHRgreen event calendar to find one that may interest you! But now is also the perfect time to leverage resources of the askHRgreen.org Team Up 2 Clean Up program to organize your own cleanup. Relying heavily on small groups of self-organized volunteers, askHRgreen.org was able to support cleanups at over 150 public spaces in the last year, clearing nearly 30 tons of litter from the Hampton Roads landscape. Your city or county is ready to support your cleanup efforts with safety gear, litter grabbers, and trash bags. Chances are, you know of a place in your community in need of some TLC. Now is the perfect time to grab some friends or family and provide a little extra care and attention in your corner of the world. If we all did, imagine how much cleaner our world could be!
View a complete list of ICC events happening this fall!