Our summers were full of beach beauty, but trash, especially plastic, is a major threat to our beaches and oceans. Beach please, not just because it’s ugly to look at, but because of the harm it does to the sea and beach life all around the world.
Beach cleaners’ costs vary greatly based on their size. There are self-propelled machines that cost anywhere up to $90,000, tractor-towed beach cleaners on the other hand can cost as little as $10,000. We don’t have to spend much if each of us can play our part in keeping our beaches clean. Here are six ways you can be beach sensitive.
how to keep beach clean – 5 Ways to Keep Beaches Clean
| Action | Impact | How to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Reduce Plastic Use: | Protects marine life, prevents pollution, improves aesthetics. | Bring reusable water bottles, bags, and containers. Avoid single-use plastics like straws and cups. Use eco-friendly sunscreen. Support businesses that minimize plastic use. |
| Clean Up After Yourself: | Prevents litter, creates a safer environment for wildlife and beachgoers. | Pack out all your trash, even cigarette butts. Leave the beach cleaner than you found it. Participate in beach cleanups. |
| Be Mindful of Sandcastles and Wildlife: | Protects natural habitats, avoids disruption to nesting birds and animals. | Don’t destroy sandcastles built by others. Avoid disturbing wildlife, especially nesting birds. Respect designated protected areas. |
| Use Eco-Friendly Products: | Reduces harmful chemicals entering the water, protects marine life. | Choose reef-safe sunscreen and personal care products. Avoid harsh cleaning products or fertilizers near the beach. |
| Spread Awareness and Advocate: | Promotes responsible beach behavior, inspires others to protect the ocean. | Educate yourself and others about ocean pollution and conservation. Support organizations working to protect beaches. Talk to local businesses and politicians about sustainable practices. |
Bring Your Own Trash Bag
It’s the end of summer so if you’re heading to the beach now, ensure to pack a trash bag along with your boogie boards and towels.
Leaving trash left behind is the easiest thing to avoid. When you’re done with your snacking, put your trash in the bag and throw it all away in dedicated trash bins. Moreover, it won’t cost you too much to carry a trash bag with you. Taking responsibility for our own trash is already a step in the right direction.
Reduce Use of Plastic
Reusable bags and containers can double up as storage for your lunch or snacks and also trash holders once you’re done. This will help you ensure that you don’t leave behind plastic bags at the beach. Bring utensils from home that you can wash later. You can even use a reusable water bottle instead of plastic cups. Every little action counts.
The Gift of Volunteering at Beach Clean Ups
Beach clean-ups are a real deal — because beach littering is just as real. There are a variety of programs to help keep our beaches and oceans clean every day. So you can
- Take part in their beach cleanup efforts.
- Learn more about their clean water initiatives.
- Or do it yourself! Apply for a beach cleanup permit and start your own cleaning initiative.
Pick Up Trash When You See It
For most of us, beaches are an idyllic getaway from the mundane routines of life. Now if the beach has to stay idyllic, it has to be maintained well. Maintaining the beach doesn’t need to fall on the shoulders of beach workers and beach cleaners. It’s teamwork and you can take part in it too. If someone has left behind trash and you spot it, pick it up and throw it away!
Spread the Word, Everywhere!
Keeping our beaches clean starts with you! Then your family, that is if you keep chatting with them about these small changes you can make each day at the beach. That way you’ll help spread the word, and ultimately more people will help keep our beautiful beaches clean and happy.
