Our beaches are safer and cleaner thanks to this local initiative
By Kelsey Thomas
A local initiative is keeping it ‘beachy clean’ here in Virginia Beach. The mission of Keep It Beachy Clean is to reach beach visitors about keeping the beaches clean and keeping litter out of the ocean and bay using a positive vibe and cute critters.
“Thanks for keeping it beachy clean!” is the motto of their message and can be found on branded stickers, magnets, kids’ activity sheets and more. Other efforts include beach cleanups, ”Skip the Straw” initiatives and Beach Toy Recycling.
Program Director, Christina Trapani, shares that “beach toys are one of the more common litter items in the summertime,” so they have teamed up with Lynnhaven River Now, the Tidewater Master Naturalists and Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service” to place beach toy recycling boxes around the resort and other beaches throughout Virginia Beach.”
This will allow children to pick up beach toys on the way in and return them on their way out, teaching them the importance of recycling and reusing. It will also be effective in reducing the amount of plastic that ends up on our beaches.
How You Can Keep It Beachy Clean
Trapani shares tricks beyond just picking up after yourself on the beach that further supports their mission.
“Bring your own bag when you are going shopping,” says Trapani. “Reusable bags aren’t just for grocery shopping, but any type of shopping,” especially when you’re doing some shopping around the oceanfront.
“Skip the straw when you can,” she adds. “and carry your own reusable bottle. There are several water fountains and refill areas around the oceanfront, which will ultimately save you money too!” Plastic straws, bottles, bags and other single-use plastics can end up as ugly litter and be dangerous to wildlife.
Many visitors get tempted to feed the birds, but don’t do it! Not only can it get messy, but it also impacts water quality and is bad for the birds.”
Recycle your monofilament fishing line in fishing line recycling containers.
We also ask that beach visitors and locals alike never release balloons or sky lanterns. Both activities are illegal in Virginia and can carry a hefty fine! Check out preventballoonlitter.org for some eco-friendly alternatives. There’s a sea turtle out there that will thank you!
We hope you enjoy your time on our beautiful beaches and thank you for keeping it beachy clean!
Learn more at KeepItBeachyClean.org
