Mobilize 5,000 Volunteers at 200 Cleanups Annually

Dear Ocean Blue Project Supporters,

As we approach the final quarter of 2024, Ocean Blue Project is thrilled to present our Create a CleanUp Program Report. This year has been marked by significant achievements and inspiring community engagement in our ongoing fight against ocean pollution. Your unwavering support has been instrumental in making these accomplishments possible, and we are deeply grateful.

So far this year, our dedicated CleanUp Crew Leaders have successfully organized 9 cleanups across the United States, mobilizing an impressive 207 volunteers from various organizations and communities. These committed individuals, including families, students, and local environmentalists, have contributed their time and energy to remove debris from our beaches and waterways, making a substantial impact on the health of our coastal and inland water environments.

We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all the exceptional CleanUp Crew Leaders who have played a vital role in the success of these events. Their leadership and organizational skills have been crucial in mobilizing volunteers and ensuring the smooth execution of each cleanup. A special mention goes to one dedicated volunteer in Long Beach, Washington, who single-handedly removed an astounding 171,000 pounds of mainly derelict fishing gear and debris, demonstrating the incredible impact that one passionate individual can have.

Our volunteers' collective efforts this year have resulted in the removal of 171,720 pounds of debris from our beaches and waterways. This significant achievement brings us closer to our ambitious goal of removing 5 million pounds of plastic and debris by 2026. As of September 26, 2024, Ocean Blue Project has removed a total of 1,648,124 pounds, with 479,808 pounds removed in 2024 alone, putting us at 32.96% of our 5 million pound goal.

Among the inspiring stories from our cleanups, we'd like to highlight two small yet remarkably impactful events:

1. In Myrtle Beach, SC, Catherine E. and her team of 4 volunteers tackled what initially appeared to be a clean beach. Catherine shared, "As we started and spread out, we quickly realized just how much debris existed. Our cleanup stretched to blocks. It may have been a small group, but we made an impact." They collected approximately 150 pieces of debris, including cigarette filters, plastic bottle caps, wrappers, and various other plastic items.
2. In Santa Barbara, CA, Nancy M. and her team, including her 7th-grade boys, removed over 30 pounds of trash from a local school. Nancy reported, "Most of the trash was food container related, but some wood with nails and plastic bags were also found. There is a sizable homeless community in that location which afforded a trove of trash." This cleanup not only improved the beach's condition but also provided a valuable learning experience for the young participants.

At Ocean Blue Project, we firmly believe in the power of community engagement and youth leadership to drive positive environmental change. By empowering individuals, families, and students to lead cleanup initiatives, we aim to cultivate a sense of local stewardship and equip them with the skills and confidence needed to tackle complex environmental challenges.

As we continue our mission to protect and preserve our oceans, we remain committed to expanding our reach and impact. Our goal is to train 200 CleanUp Crew Leaders to lead 6,000 volunteers each year. To achieve this, we are working on securing funding for a full-time position dedicated to outreach, training, event coordination, tracking, and reporting.

We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who supports our work in ocean conservation. Your generosity and belief in our mission are the driving forces behind our success. We are excited to continue working with you and achieving even greater milestones in the coming years!

Thank you for being an integral part of the Ocean Blue Project family. Together, we are creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for our oceans and the countless lives they support.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Karisa Arterbury

Director of Operations + Development 

www.oceanblueproject.org

Links:

• https://oceanblueproject.org/ocean-blue-volunteers/