Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup on September 20; World’s Largest Volunteer Effort for the Ocean
Volunteers clean beaches, lakes, and rivers in their community as part of a global network to improve the health of our ocean and waterways

September 16, 2008

Media Contact: Michele Capots

Washington, DC Ocean Conservancy’s 23rd annual International Coastal Cleanup will kick off on September 20th around the world. Volunteers not only clear trash and debris from beaches, lakes and rivers but record everything they find. Ocean Conservancy uses this data to provide the only global snapshot of the problem of trash in our ocean, identify sources of the debris and recommend solutions to reduce threats to humans and wildlife.

The ocean is essential to the health of everything on our planet, including our own. It provides much of the air we breathe, the food we eat and the climate we need to survive. For repeat volunteers, the Cleanup is a celebration of their year-round commitment to the health of our ocean, for others the Cleanup is a first step, and a time to reflect on decisions we make everyday and how they affect the planet. 

"Planet Earth is a water planet," says Leonardo DiCaprio, actor, activist. "Our own well being is intrinsically connected to the health of the ocean. Millions of pounds of trash, much of it plastic, can be picked up on any given day. It’s layering the ocean floor and killing sea life who mistake it for food. We need to actively work to improve the state of our ocean by taking matters into our own hands. Recycle. Use reusable bags. And make an investment in your future by joining thousands of other concerned citizens at the International Coastal Cleanup on September 20th."

"Every one of us has enjoyed the ocean at one time or another," said Vikki Spruill, President and CEO of Ocean Conservancy. "And every one of us has a personal responsibility to the ocean’s health. The International Coastal Cleanup provides a direct and tangible way to make a difference for one of the largest problems we face. Trash in the ocean continues to threaten millions of seabirds, fish and wildlife every year. But there’s something we can do. Together, we can Start a Sea Change."

Last year, 378,000 volunteers in 76 countries removed six million pounds of trash and those numbers are expected to grow. In 2007 alone volunteers found 81 birds, 63 fish, 49 crabs and lobsters, 30 mammals, 11 reptiles and one amphibian entangled in debris that included discarded fishing line, fishing net, rope, plastic bags and six-pack holders.

Small strides make a world of difference. The majority of trash collected along beaches and waterways around the world is the result of shoreline and recreational activities, which means we need to change our individual behaviors that are trashing our beaches. Trash doesn’t fall from the sky, it falls from our hands.

Results of the data collected during the Cleanup are presented in an annual report, which is the most comprehensive collection of volunteer marine debris data in the world.  The report is shared with the public, industry, and government officials to help better understand the problem and spread the message about how best to address these litter issues at the source. 

National partners include: The Coca-Cola Foundation; Bank of America; Brunswick Public Foundation; The Dow Chemical Company; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Glad; Philip Morris USA, an Altria company; Oracle; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Project AWARE; and others.

Join us on September 20th and be a part of this global movement. To register and find a Cleanup near you, log onto www.oceanconservancy.org/cleanup.

About Ocean Conservancy: Ocean Conservancy promotes healthy and diverse ocean ecosystems and opposes practices that threaten ocean life and human life. Through research, education, and science-based advocacy, Ocean Conservancy informs, inspires, and empowers people to speak and act on behalf of the oceans. In all its work, Ocean Conservancy strives to be the world's foremost advocate for the oceans. For more information on our programs, visit: www.oceanconservancy.org