Clean Beaches Week: Cleaning Up Our Seas
Clean Beaches Week, also known as the Earth Day equivalent for beaches, takes place from July 1 to 7. This weeklong celebration spotlights this land type and emphasizes the importance of keeping it clean. Read on to learn more.
Featured in: July - Awareness Months, Days & Observances.
Why Clean Beaches Week Matters
Clean Beaches Week is significant for highlighting the importance of our beach environments. Beaches aren't just destinations for leisure. They host diverse marine wildlife and safeguard us from ocean forces.
Unfortunately, these essential ecosystems face pollution, climate change, and coastal erosion threats. Hence, ensuring the well-being of beaches is crucial to protecting these biological habitats and keeping our natural barriers intact.
Beaches also significantly support our economy. They contribute to the tourism industry, stimulate local businesses, and generate employment.
Participating in initiatives like beach cleanups during Clean Beaches Week can combat marine pollution, which threatens these habitats. This event fosters awareness of sustainability actions, encouraging caring for and preserving our shores.
Related Read: World Clean Up Day.
How to Keep Beaches Clean
Beachgoers should do the following steps to keep beaches clean:
- Follow the "leave no trace" principle to avoid polluting the beach and sea.
- Organize or join beach clean-ups to help protect our shorelines and wildlife.
- Know your limits and swim, surf, or boat safely.
- Avoid treading on the dunes (beach plants); use a walkover or walk-thru instead.
- Switch to reusable products like water bottles and shopping bags to reduce plastic waste.
- Eat healthy, sustainable seafood or another healthy meal while at the beach.
- Practice sustainable tourism to help preserve our natural resources and environments.
Data and Statistics
According to the International Coastal Cleanup, an initiative by the Ocean Conservancy, 17 million volunteers collected 350 million pounds of garbage ever since its conception.
In 2013, 10% of water samples collected from 3,500 American beaches failed the EPA’s stringent swimmer safety benchmark. As a result, an estimated 36 of every 1,000 beachgoers fall ill from exposure to bacteria1, waste, or trash in these waters, with children being particularly vulnerable.
Beach pollutants inflict harm beyond just humans; it's estimated that over 800 wildlife species are affected by plastic ingestion or entanglement. The plastic can then infiltrate the food chain, posing further risks to seafood-eating humans and animals.
In 2012, pollution and contamination led to over 20,000 U.S. beach closures and advisory days2, devastating coastal economies. Beach-related leisure trips generate billions in spending annually. These disruptions jeopardize these economic activities, striking a severe blow to local businesses.
Brief Timeline of Clean Beaches Week
The Clean Beaches Coalition promotes clean, healthy, and well-managed beaches worldwide.
The Council launches the Blue Wave Campaign, the first environmental certification program for beaches in the U.S.
The Council expands its reach to include international beaches.
The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives designated July 1-7 as "National Clean Beaches Week,” which has since drawn enormous public support.
The Clean Beaches Council introduced the "Clean Beaches Plan," a comprehensive guide for beach managers to maintain and improve beach cleanliness.
The Council launches the "Beach Buddy" program, encouraging people to adopt a beach and commit to its cleanliness.
The Council celebrates its 20th anniversary with a nationwide beach clean-up event.
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurs, which highlights the importance of the Council's work.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many zoos are beginning to enhance their online presence. They are offering virtual tours and teaching conservation lessons.
The Council celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council stresses the importance of maintaining clean beaches for public health and safety.
The Council promotes clean beaches and coastal communities through various programs, campaigns, and events.
Conclusion
Clean Beaches Week aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our coastlines and coastal landscapes. Beaches are vital habitats for many species, a source of recreation, and an economic hotspot. However, pollution and human interference threaten these ecosystems.
Let us do our part by joining beach cleanups, reducing personal waste, or advocating for beach-friendly policies.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
This national campaign promotes clean and healthy beaches through community engagement and environmental stewardship.
Clean beaches protect marine life, preserve ecosystems, and provide safe recreational spaces for visitors.
Organize or join beach clean-up events, spread awareness on social media, or support local conservation efforts.
Clean beaches contribute to a thriving coastal economy, promote public health, and enhance residents' and tourists' overall quality of life.
Adopt eco-friendly practices in your daily life, reduce single-use plastics, support legislation for marine protection, and educate others about the importance of beach conservation.
| 1 | Dorfman, M., Haren, A. (2014). Testing the Waters 2014. Natural Resources Defense Council. |
| 2 | Dorfman, M., Haren, A. (2014). Testing the Waters 2013. Natural Resources Defense Council. |
Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.
Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.
