Join us in the global movement to help keep our beaches, waterways and the ocean trash free.
This year, VolunteerCleanup.org and Blue Scholars Initiative are airing on the side of caution and planning a unique approach to the International Coastal Cleanup, following the Ocean Conservancy’s lead. Here in Miami-Dade County, our approach is a coastal cleanup “season” that spans September 19th through November 1st, to allow for more cleanups, in smaller groups, over a longer period of time. During that time, Blue Scholars will host three separate cleanups, each with no more than 10 people to allow for social distancing in an effort to keep all our staff and volunteers safe. We will lean heavily into the CleanSwell Safety briefing (new category for mask debris!) via video that volunteers can watch in advance so stay tuned. As always, cleanup supplies including trash bags/buckets, gloves and tally cards will be provided, and community service hours are available.
Registering for a cleanup can be made through VolunteerCleanup.org or simply by clicking the specific date/location below. All the necessary details and information will be emailed following registration.
*IMPORTANT - Volunteers must provide their own SUP, kayak or canoe, as well as safety gear including, but not limited to, a personal floatation device (PFD) and a sound signaling device (whistle).
The Ocean Conservancy as an organization is not doing or encouraging cleanups or any meetings larger than 10 people. They are primarily encouraging people to go out and do their own solo cleanup. Here’s OC’s message:
The ICC will not be cancelled. The ICC will not be postponed. The ICC will look different. At its core, the ICC is about people and communities, so in times like this our communities, our neighbors, and our world need the ICC more than ever before. What will this year’s ICC look like? What can it look like? For many of us, the large, jovial events of 500+ people will not be an option; for many of us, even small cleanups of more than 10 people will not be an option either. So what do we do? We stubbornly believe we have a unique opportunity this year. We will engage volunteers in new innovative ways. We will inspire action from our living rooms rather than from a microphone on the beach, and most importantly, we will approach this year physically apart but together in spirit. The ICC has weathered many storms, perhaps none quite like this, but the ICC always comes back stronger. Because of you, the ICC remains a reflection and celebration of our incredible planet and phenomenal volunteers.