The International Coastal Cleanup is this weekend, Saturday, September 15th, 2018.

It started over 30 years ago, when communities joined together to help clean up the beaches and document the trash left on coastlines.

Since its beginning, it has grown into an international effort to support our oceans. Volunteers gather all over to help clean up the coastlines.

Efforts to clean up and sustain the ocean are needed. It’s obvious that we are experiencing climate change on many different levels. While other initiatives, like the plastic straw movement, have been happening to help protect our seas, it is not enough.

Until we all become educated in what is happening to our environment and climate—and join forces to make changes—things will continue to get worse. We need to care and be informed.

We all need the oceans and clean waters to survive.

70 percent of Earth’s surface is covered by ocean. If we continue to live in delusion and think we don’t have a problem with sustaining our seas, we all may become extinct. Taking pleasure to be at the beach and enjoy the California coastline, or any other beachside, may not be possible in the future.

We can create new measures to control the destruction happening to the water and coastlines. Climate change is the leading cause of coral reef destruction, and tourism is a major factor in what is causing problems.

Imagine living in a world where we have no ocean to swim in, no ability to snorkel in clean water, and no way to get quality seafood to eat.

To put it bluntly—life would f*ckin’ suck.

Those vacations would be less relaxing and beautiful, especially at beachfront resorts.

We can become more aware of the impact we are having on the environment and within the oceans and seas. Working toward better sustainable solutions and educating our youth about the state of our planet will cause social change.

No matter where you are this weekend, take an extra moment to contribute to the cause, and help clean up the coastlines and waterways. A little gesture does make an impact. A desire to make change and a want to contribute to a clean, beautiful planet will improve our current crisis.

Everything helps. Raise awareness, and help our planet stay green and clean.

Saturday, September 15, 2018 is International Coastal Cleanup Day—will you help sustain our coastlines and save our oceans?

Check online to find where your local communities are hosting events.

As a bonus, check out this infographic from Ohio University about the environmental impact of tourism on coastlines, and make a commitment to help our coastlines and save our oceans:

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Ohio University