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International Coastal Cleanup Day

Join us in making a difference this International Coastal Cleanup Day - help clean our beaches and oceans and make the world a better place!

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Introduction

On the third Saturday of September, let's come together to celebrate International Coastal Cleanup Day and help keep our coastlines beautiful! This important day has been around since 1986, when it was created to encourage people to get involved in protecting the environment. It's a great opportunity for individuals, families, businesses, schools and communities to join forces and make a difference by cleaning up litter from beaches and other coastal areas. Let's all do our part to keep the world's oceans healthy and clean!

History of International Coastal Cleanup Day

International Coastal Cleanup Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1986</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of Coastal Cleanup</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Ocean Conservancy, a non-profit environmental advocacy group in the US, initiated the first International Coastal Cleanup Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1991</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Data Collection Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>The event begins to keep detailed records of trash collected worldwide to better understand the scope and sources of pollution.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1993</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>International Coastal Cleanup Day is recognized by the United Nations and becomes a globally celebrated event.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Million-Volunteer Mark Exceeded</div><div class='timeline-text'>Over a million volunteers participate worldwide, making this the largest volunteer effort for ocean's health.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Trash Free Seas Alliance</div><div class='timeline-text'>Ocean Conservancy starts the Trash Free Seas Alliance® to manage ocean waste at scale.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Digital Data Collection</div><div class='timeline-text'>The introduction of Clean Swell app supports digital data collection, facilitating recording and sharing of cleanup data.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate International Coastal Cleanup Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a beach cleanup</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organizing a beach cleanup is one of the easiest and most effective ways to celebrate International Coastal Cleanup Day. Establish a set location, gather supplies and recruit volunteers. Then hit the beach and help keep it clean.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate your community</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Inform your community about the importance of coastal cleanups and the effects of marine debris. Spread your message through word of mouth, social media, or even hosting an event or presentation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer with local groups</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find out if any local organizations are participating in International Coastal Cleanup Day and sign up to volunteer with them. You'll be able to help make a real difference in your community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Adopt a beach</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a beach that needs some extra attention and adopt it! Regularly visit the beach to remove debris, educate visitors on proper disposal methods, and report any major issues to the appropriate authorities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a virtual cleanup</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you can't make it to a beach for the celebration, join the global effort to clean up coastlines from around the world! Join an online forum or help document debris by submitting photos and data to international databases.</p></div></div>

Why International Coastal Cleanup Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It helps protect marine life</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Marine animals are increasingly threatened by plastic and other debris that make its way into the ocean, putting them in danger of being injured or killed. International Coastal Cleanup Day encourages people to come together and help remove this trash so that we can help protect our precious aquatic ecosystems.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It prevents pollution</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Coastal cleanups help keep beaches and waterways free from harmful pollutants that can damage local wildlife habitats and contaminate the water supply. By actively removing this debris from the environment, we can reduce drastically the amount of toxins that enter our oceans, rivers, and lakes.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It inspires environmental stewardship</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Through coastal cleanups, people can come together to join forces and do their part in protecting our planet. By educating participants about the importance of conserving Earth's natural resources and habitats, International Coastal Cleanup Day empowers individuals with the knowledge and motivation they need to be better stewards of the environment.</p></div></div>

5 Astonishing Facts for Coastal Cleanup Day

International Coastal Cleanup Day FAQs

When is International Coastal Cleanup Day?

International Coastal Cleanup Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Sep 16

Saturday

2024

Sep 21

Saturday

2025

Sep 20

Saturday

2026

Sep 19

Saturday

2027

Sep 18

Saturday