By Karisa Arterbury | Director of Operations
We're a couple of months into 2023 and we already have some incredible news to share. Ocean Blue has officially recovered more than 1 million pounds of oceanic waste as of January 31, 2023. Since 2012, Ocean Blue Team and Volunteers have removed 1,165,774 pounds of plastic and debris from beaches and ocean bound waterways.
That puts us two years ahead of schedule! This accomplishment is a testament to the power of our passionate volunteers and partners who have supported Ocean Blue Project over the last decade. We couldn’t have done it without you, so THANK YOU for your unwavering support and commitment to our One World Ocean.
Last year, we successfully celebrated 60 CleanUps with nearly 1700 pounds contributing to our main goal of recovering 1 million pounds of plastic and debris. And while most of our debris weight comes from staff-led CleanUps, the engagement and education provided through community CleanUps is priceless.
CleanUp Crew Leaders are educated through our certification process and go out into their communities as leaders and educators to raise awareness about marine debris. The empowerment Crew Leaders receive through their leadership experiences provides the cultural shift needed to prevent marine debris in the first place.
So far in 2023, we've completed 9 CleanUps across the southern states, including Southern California, South Carolina, Florida, Arkansas and in our own backyard at a stream CleanUp just uphill from Newport, Oregon where Ocean Blue was founded in 2012. In the first two months, 190 volunteers have removed over 1700 pounds of plastic and debris.
And we have another 21 CleanUp Crew Leaders getting ready and set for CleanUps through Earth Day and National Volunteer Month in April. With 20 more, we can reach the first milestone of the year ~ 50 CleanUps by the end of April.
Now that we can recover 5 pounds of debris for each dollar donated, we’re tackling our next goal: 5 million pounds by 2025. Considering that every year, roughly 8.5 million metric tons of plastic enter our ocean, we’ve got our work cut out for us, and you can help!
Looking ahead to Earth Day & National Volunteer Month
April marks the 53rd annual Earth Day. It's also National Volunteer Month, and it’s coming up fast! We’ve got a ton of ways for you to get involved in April, inlcuding the upcoming Little by Little campaign where your gift of up to $50 will be matched by GlobalGiving.
Whether you're a volunteer, a partner, a donor, or a supporter - your actions have a real impact on our ocean and our planet. When we all take collective action together, there’s literally no limit to what we can achieve.
Spread the word
Harness the power of social media for good - raise awareness with your followers about the importance of protecting our one world ocean and supporting a Blue Economy. Share the message you plan to Go Beyond Green this year. #GoBlue all Earth Month long. Join the cmapaign and encourage your friends to do the same.
Celebrating our 2022 Save the Waves winner
Congratulations to Mark Bledsoe of Nashville, prize winner of our annual Save the Waves campaign! Mark’s prize included products generously gifted by Patagonia, SiiZu, Badger Balm, Sand Cloud, Healthy Human and more.
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By Karisa Arterbury | Director of Operations
By Karisa Arterbury | Director of Operations
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