From Love a Sea Turtle

Volunteers with Love A Sea Turtle, an environmental nonprofit created by area youth, participated in the International Coastal Cleanup Day with a river cleanup from Tranter’s Creek to Havens Garden Park in Washington, on Sept. 21.

With logistic support from Guy Blackwell, supplies from West Marine, kayaks from Sound Rivers and LAST, and boat support from Joe Bronsink and Andy Anderson, the Turtle Team was able to remove and clear 300-plus pounds of marine debris along the way. Styrofoam, large trash cans and containers, bottles, cans and plastic items were collected. An additional several hundred pounds of larger debris items were tagged for a later pick-up. No plastic trash bags were used for the cleanup. Ocean Conservancy provided the Turtle Team with large reusable mesh bags for the event.

The International Coastal Cleanup began over 30 years ago as a way to engage volunteers from US states and territories and more than 100 countries in a cleanup event near them. With a shared common goal of cleaning our coastal waters, taking care of our beaches and protecting and preserving our natural resources, volunteers are part of a global movement that inspires action in support of our ocean.

Love A Sea Turtle student leaders, who are also part of the Plastic Free NC initiative, Jae Yoon and Abby Yoon (not related), had the opportunity to speak with staff at Backwater Jack’s Tiki Bar and Grill after the cleanup event. They provided a Plastic Free NC sticker to showcase the restaurant’s efforts to combat single-use plastics through their recent change in using compostable cups and paper straws.

For more information on Plastic Free NC and how your business can participate, contact loveaseaturtle@suddenlink.net.