Written by Maria Kelley
Posted in Environment

The Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo County (ECOSLO) is proud to announce that the 27th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day (CCD) which take place on Saturday, September 17th, from 9 a.m. to Noon at beach sites throughout the County. This year, CCD and SLO County Creek Day are joining forces to share volunteers and raise awareness regarding healthy watersheds, creeks and oceans. Last year the B.Y.O. Campaign (Bring Your Own Bag, Bucket, Water Bottle and Gloves) was very successful.  Volunteers are being asked again to B.Y.O. – this will help reduce the amount of trash generated during the work efforts. Tickets for prizes will be given to each participant who brings his or her own supplies.
The purpose of Coastal Cleanup Day (CCD) is to remove marine debris from the state’s beaches and waterways, to identify its sources and implement education to support the change of our behaviors that cause pollution. In 2010, over 1,300 volunteers “swept” local beaches clean of over 20,000 pounds of debris. Volunteers play an important role in making the CCD successful. Volunteers record the debris found on standardized data cards. Site Captains and volunteers enter that data into the Ocean Conservancy Database and that information assists in the development of Environmental Policy.
The first California Coastal Cleanup Day took place in 1985; 2,500 volunteers turned out to help. Since then, the event has grown to become International Coastal Cleanup Day, the largest volunteer event of its kind in the state. Supported by the California Coastal Commission, ECOSLO coordinates Coastal Cleanup Day in San Luis Obispo County. Beaches are such an important part of San Luis Obispo County. ECOSLO believes that we must do everything we can to help preserve them. Marine debris not only destroys oceans and beaches, but also creeks, streams and other waterways. Last year we had a pilot project site to remove invasive species, as biological debris has been recognized as having a potential negative impact on the native coastal habitat.
ECOSLO is currently seeking sponsors, financial support, and items for the drawing. To sign up or for general information please contact Maria Kelly at 544-1777. In July specific site registration will be available on the ECOSLO website, www.ecoslo.org. In the meantime, for Central Coast Cleanup email inquiries to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and for Creek Day sites, please go to www.creekday.org.