Why Cleanup Events Make a Difference and How to Plan Your Own

When it comes to keeping our environment clean, California has made many efforts , such as discouraging products made with plastic microbeads, banning plastic straws, and encouraging residents to throw away trash and cigarette butts in the proper places.

In order to help the state with this ongoing effort, AMC hosts beach and park cleanup events every summer with residents and their family members. Although we can’t gather in person this year, we can participate in our virtual cleanup by choosing a date in July and planning a cleanup event with a small crew. If you haven’t committed to joining our virtual event quite yet, here is why cleanup events make a difference and how you can plan your own.

The Importance of Cleanup Events

Whether you spend the morning at Twila Reid Park or take a day trip to Huntington Beach , you’re making the world a more beautiful place by devoting a few hours to cleaning up trash, triggering happy endorphins, and participating in a workout! Beach and park cleanup events positively impact your personal satisfaction, the local wildlife, and our economy.

According to the Surfrider Foundation , “beach cleanups do more than clean the beach.” They help remove harmful products on the sand and ocean that hurt marine life, and they help us track our findings and analyze data. The goal is to collect enough data and ensure our beaches aren’t in dire need of future cleanups. As more people help clean beaches, we raise awareness and remove “trash blindness.” In other words, the more you clean, the more you will notice trash in the environment wherever you go and clean as you go.

How to Plan Your Cleanup

Now that you know the importance of beach and park cleanups, it’s time to join ours! If you can’t participate in our coastal cleanup day on July 25, plan your own with a small crew. In addition to healthy snacks and a reusable water bottle, here are some items to pack:

Stay Safe While Cleaning

Remember to strictly follow all COVID-19 social distancing guidelines when cleaning with your crew. Stay six feet apart from others, follow California’s mask mandate , and, if you invite people to join you who live outside of your household, follow the CDC’s advice by not shaking hands or giving hugs.

Cleaning our beaches and parks is so important and can make for a fun, memorable summer. Join us on July 25 or pick another day during the month and let the fun begin! Remember to follow our tips for planning your own beach and park cleanups and tag us in any photos you post on social media. Use the hashtags #AMCcleanup and #livehappy. Happy cleaning!