The Grass Roots Garbage Gang organizes a beach cleanup for the 30 miles of beach on the Long Beach Peninsula. Fifteen groups & businesses who have adopted sections of the beach, and hundreds more, come out clean the beach. Last July 6th, over 6 tons of debris was collected in cleanup dumpsters, and uncountable bags of garbage were put in the cans of local residents during the cleanup.

The debris collected included spent fireworks, bottles, cans, and plastic from the 4th of July celebrations as well as tires, Styrofoam, strapping, lawn chairs, a TV tube, light bulbs, rope, wire, netting and miscellaneous debris that washes up on our shores.

The obvious benefit is a more beautiful beach, but the more serious benefit is a healthier marine and avian population. In an area that relies heavily on fisheries and tourism, these are big benefits.

The Grass Roots Garbage Gang started in 2001 with a handful of volunteers cleaning just 3 miles of beach; collecting 850 pounds of garbage. Now volunteers from all over Washington and Oregon assist in the cleanups. Local residents and businesses sponsor a chowder feed for participants, a wonderful community event.

To all the volunteers: Thank you!

Are you ready to adopt a section or want to help in some other way? Sign up today, contact shelly@ourbeach.org or 665-5388

More info: Grass Roots Garbage Gang

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