CleanUp 5 million Pounds of Post-Disaster Debris

Hello friend, 

Ocean Blue Project is thrilled to share with everyone our progress and ambitious goals as we continue our mission to protect our one world ocean and coastlines. Our Plastic Disaster Relief Program has made significant strides in the fight against plastic pollution, especially in areas affected by natural disasters and ongoing environmental challenges.

As we establish our presence in the Chesapeake Bay area, we are acutely aware of the critical role this watershed plays in the health of our oceans. The Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States, supports an incredible diversity of marine life and serves as a natural filter for water flowing into the Atlantic Ocean. Our team has been actively engaged in assessing and addressing the pressing issues of pollution and illegal dumping along the bay's extensive shoreline.

One of the most alarming findings from our assessments is the prevalence of plastic debris and other pollutants in the Chesapeake Bay area. Our dedicated staff has been working tirelessly to combat this issue, conducting cleanups along tributaries and shorelines. In 2024 alone, we have removed an impressive 308,200 pounds of debris from this region, significantly contributing to our overall cleanup efforts.

While our "Create a Cleanup" program continues to be a vital component of our education and leadership development efforts, engaging volunteers across the US, the majority of the debris removal in the Chesapeake Bay area is carried out by our dedicated Ocean Blue team members. This staff-led initiative requires substantial funding to cover the costs of equipment, storage and sorting facilities, and to support the team who works tirelessly on the ground and in the water to make this program a success.

In 2023, Ocean Blue Project achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing our goal of removing 1 million pounds of plastic and debris from U.S. beaches and waterways. Building on this success, we set an even more ambitious target of removing 5 million pounds of plastic and debris by 2026. 

We are proud to report that as of September 26, 2024, we have removed a total of 1,648,124 pounds, with 479,808 pounds removed in 2024 alone. This puts us at 32.96% of our 5 million pound goal, demonstrating significant progress towards our objective.

To further our mission, Ocean Blue Project is working on establishing a new facility in Lottsburg, Virginia. This location will serve as a staging facility for sorting debris for upcycling projects and an education center to engage youth through our OBP Blue Schools program, which has been recognized as a Green Citizen Project by UNESCO. This development will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also significantly lower our costs by reducing rent expenses.

As we move forward, we face several challenges in reaching our 5 million pound goal:

1. Funding for a vessel to increase our capacity and impact in water-based cleanups.
2. Development of our recently acquired property in Lottsburg, Virginia.
3. Obtaining multi-year grants to secure job positions for program coordinators, necessary for expanding our reach and impact.

As we continue our efforts in 2024, we invite you to join us in our mission to protect and preserve our oceans. Your support is vital to the success of our programs, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to ocean stewardship. Together, we can work towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for our One World Ocean.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Ocean Blue Project family. With your continued support, we are confident in our ability to reach our goals and make a lasting impact on the health of our oceans and waterways.

Warm regards, 

Karisa Arterbury

Director of Operations + Development

www.oceanblueproject.org

Hello friend,

Ocean Blue, in its pursuit of environmental excellence, has concluded a remarkable year with an ambitious goal to remove 5 million pounds of plastic and debris from U.S. beaches and waterways by the end of 2025. As we reflect on the achievements of the past year, we are excited to share Ocean Blue’s success in surpassing the 1 million-pound cleanup goal two years ahead of schedule, a feat made possible by the generosity of donors who share our commitment to ocean stewardship efforts.

Ocean Blue Project is currently on the brink of achieving our funding target, aiming to raise $200,000 for the cleanup of 1 million pounds of plastic and debris from U.S. beaches and ocean-bound waterways in 2024. As of now, we have successfully received $122,563 in pledges and donations, placing Ocean Blue at 61% of our goal. Your continued support is vital in propelling us to the finish line for this new year! 

In 2023, Ocean Blue, with the dedicated efforts of its staff and volunteers, achieved a significant cleanup milestone. A total of 597,430 pounds of plastic and debris, including microplastics, were meticulously removed through 70 cleanups spanning 14 states: Washington (WA), Oregon (OR), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Arkansas (AR), Texas (TX), Florida (FL), South Carolina (SC), North Carolina (NC), Virginia (VA), Massachusetts (MA), Connecticut (CT), New York (NY), and Maine (ME).

Central to our mission is the empowerment of youth to lead cleanup initiatives across the United States. High school and university students, regarded as the architects of our future, are entrusted with the responsibility to organize and oversee their own cleanups. Ocean Blue provides a platform for these young leaders to cultivate local stewardship, guiding them through the entire process, instilling confidence, and fostering a sense of responsibility. By offering this platform, we aim to foster an environment where high school and university students can develop leadership skills, learn to make informed decisions, and gain practical experience in tackling complex environmental challenges. As Ocean Blue CleanUp Crew Leaders embark on their journey into the future, they carry with them the knowledge and empowerment needed to make a lasting impact.

Empowering youth involves more than delegating tasks; it requires instilling confidence in their abilities to effect change. Ocean Blue is committed to fostering an environment where young leaders feel supported and encouraged. Through mentorship, training, and positive reinforcement, we aim to boost their self-assurance, enabling them to overcome challenges and make a meaningful impact on their communities.

In the spirit of continuous improvement, we invite you to check our project pages in the new year for the latest updates on our programs. Through your ongoing support, we aspire to achieve even greater milestones in our mission to protect and preserve our oceans.

As we welcome a brand new year, the Ocean Blue Family extends our warmest wishes for a Happy New Year. May all your dreams for the ocean come true, and may the collective efforts of Ocean Blue and its supporters lead to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future. Thank you for being a crucial part of our ocean stewardship journey.

Warm regards, 

Karisa Arterbury

Director of Operations

www.oceanblueproject.org