Mobilize 5,000 Volunteers at 200 Cleanups Annually

Dear Ocean Blue Project Supporters,

As we embark on a new year filled with promise and potential, Ocean Blue Project is proud to present our Create a CleanUp Program Report. The beginning of 2024 marked a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to engage students and communities in the fight against ocean pollution. Your support to make it happen is much appreciated.

So far this year, Ocean Blue CleanUp Crew Leaders have successfully organized 5 cleanups along the coast, mobilizing an impressive 177 volunteers from various organizations and communities. These dedicated individuals including high school and university students contributed their time and energy in leading their teams to remove debris from our beaches, making a tangible difference in the health and beauty of our coastal environment.

We would like to express our gratitude to the exceptional CleanUp Crew Leaders who played a vital role in the success of these events. Natalie and Bianca from University of California San Diego Women’s Rowing Team demonstrated outstanding leadership and organizational skills in mobilizing volunteers and ensuring the smooth execution of each cleanup. Bianca shared, “This cleanup was a fantastic opportunity for the UCSD women’s rowing team to interact with and give back to the waterway we row on every day. Thanks to Ocean Blue for supplying us with the tools for this CleanUp.”

Our volunteers’ efforts this year have resulted in the removal of 638 pounds of debris from our beaches. Among the most common items found, both lightweight and deadly to marine animals, were plastic bottle caps, cigarette butts, food wrappers, and plastic bags. However, we also encountered some unusual items, such as a mattress, a shopping cart, and a television set, highlighting the diverse nature of the litter that ends up on our shores.

One particularly inspiring story emerged from a cleanup led by Nicholas, an aspiring Eagle Scout from BSA Troop 351 and Cub Scout Pack 354. Nicholas organized a cleanup at Belmont Pier in Long Beach, attracting 64 attendees, including young cub scouts. Despite the challenges of tallying individual pieces of litter, the group remained dedicated to their mission, ultimately collecting an impressive 310 pounds of trash. 

In Nicholas’s own words, “I originally thought that the amount of trash was minuscule; however, I was corrected as we walked further and further. In the end, we accumulated 310 pounds of trash, which I think was a surprising amount.” This experience not only contributed to the cleanliness of the beach but also provided valuable lessons in leadership and environmental stewardship for Nicholas and the young scouts involved.

 At Ocean Blue Project, we believe in the power of youth to drive positive change and improvement. By empowering high school and university students to lead cleanup initiatives we aim to cultivate a sense of local stewardship and equip them with the skills and confidence needed to tackle complex environmental challenges. Through mentorship and training and positive reinforcement, we foster an environment where young leaders feel supported and encouraged to make a lasting impact on their Communities.

As we continue our mission to protect and preserve our oceans, we remain committed to organizing more cleanups, educating the public about the importance of keeping our beaches clean and nurturing a sense of environmental responsibility among our volunteers and the wider community.

We want to say a big thank you to everyone who supports our work to take care of theocean. Your kindness and belief in our goals really help us a lot. We are excited to keep working with you and achieving even more in the next year!

Thank you for being an integral part of the Ocean Blue Project family. Together, we are creating a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future for our oceans and the countless lives they support.

Warmly, 

Karisa Arterbury

Director of Operations + Development