It may be dreary now, but before we know it, the umbrellas covering us from spring showers will be replaced by ones dotting the stand, giving us shade from the sun as we enjoy the beach. Really, it’s almost here.
But before we get to those days, there is a bit of spring cleaning taking place at over 80 beaches up and down the New Jersey coastline this month, including plenty near Long Branch.
"Keeping the ocean and waterways clean, that is an investment in your community," said Kiki Miranda of Clean Ocean Action, which organizes the beach sweeps. "(Beach sweeps) are by far our easiest access point with people. It's a starting point for people to get involved and make that first step in investing in the environment."
The bi-annual sweeps have led to visible change on our beaches. Their work in documenting the amount of plastics in the water has helped shape legislation to keep our coastline clean. In the 2022 collections, more than 8,100 volunteers removed over 376,000 pieces of debris. In fact, plastic bags recently fell out of the organization's "Dirty Dozen" list, which charts the 12 most common items found on beaches.
The spring cleanup is April 13 from 9a-12:30p. You can pre-register, but day-of volunteers are welcome. Bring your own work gloves and a bucket, put on some matching shirts with friends and show up as a team, or come on your own and connect with people in the community who share your desire for good.
"People being out there, they're in nature and seeing the results," Miranda said. "People really have an ah-ha moment about that. When they have the data cards and tally it up, it makes it all more real. It empowers them and they also walk away with the feeling of 'OK, what can I do next?'
But before taking the next step, you have to take the first. Mark your calendar for April 13.
"It's a starting point to take that first step in investing in the environment."
