By Karisa Arterbury | Director of Operations + Development
Dear Ocean Blue Project Supporters,
As we reflect on this year’s milestones in ocean conservation, we are excited to share highlights from National CleanUp Month this past September. Your continued support has empowered us to organize impactful programs like the “Create a CleanUp” initiative, demonstrating the power of collective effort and community engagement in the fight against ocean pollution.
September was a month to remember. Across just six cleanups in key states like California, Florida, Oregon, and Colorado, 93 dedicated volunteers joined forces to remove 272 pounds of debris and track 36,886 pieces of trash. Volunteers contributed time and effort at locations ranging from beaches to creeks, bringing tremendous energy and commitment to every event.
Significant moments from September include:
- Long Beach, CA (Sept 11) - Organized by Katie N and the Women’s Water Polo Team of Long Beach State, 27 participants removed 6,355 pieces of debris.
- Cannon Beach, OR (Sept 27) - Sponsored by Good Tide, 11 volunteers tracked an estimated 6,973 pieces of debris. Good Tide's CSR Coordinator, Bre M, shared, “The weather was great, and we got to bond as a team while removing trash from the beach. It felt great to make an impact.”
- Gore Creek, Vail, CO (Sept 28) - A creek cleanup led by Nicholas M. where 1 volunteer removed roughly 6,832 pieces of debris, highlighting how one determined individual can make a significant impact.
- Long Beach, CA (Sept 30) - Coordinated by Ayano A with Ocean Network Express, *13 volunteers cleared approximately 2,651 pieces. Ayano remarked, “Contributing to the community in which we work reaffirmed the beauty of the beaches and deepened our connection to the area.”
In total, 272 pounds of debris and nearly 37,000 pieces of trash were cleared from waterways and beaches in September, embodying the spirit of National CleanUp Month and moving us closer to our ambitious goal of removing 5 million pounds of plastic and debris by 2026. Thanks to efforts in 2024 alone, we removed 479,808 pounds of debris, allowing us to reach 32.96% of Ocean Blue’s target!
At Ocean Blue Project, we remain steadfast in our mission to empower local communities and youth leaders to bring about meaningful environmental change. Our 2024 progress would not have been possible without passionate CleanUp Crews and volunteers. Together, we are fostering stewardship and achieving tangible impacts on our oceans and waterways.
As the year ends, we are excited to announce Giving Tuesday, a global movement to encourage generosity. Your contributions will help us train 200 CleanUp Crew Leaders annually and mobilize 6,000 volunteers, ensuring the continued success of our cleanup programs.
We deeply appreciate your support.Together, we are making a cleaner, more sustainable future for our oceans.
With gratitude,
The Ocean Blue Project Team
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