By Karisa Arterbury | Director of Operations, OBP Blue Schools Founder
Hello friend,
Ocean Blue, in its pursuit of environmental excellence, has concluded a remarkable year with an ambitious goal of mobilizing 5,000 youth volunteer ocean stewards to conduct 200 cleanups annually. As we reflect on the achievements of the past year, we are excited to share our 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
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