By Ryan Afable
On September 21, 2024, hundreds of volunteers across Vallejo and Vacaville woke up at 9 in the morning for the 40th California Coastal Cleanup.
There were 13 different sites where 440 volunteers spent a few hours cleaning up. They were able to pick up 4,140 pounds of trash, 50 pounds of recyclables and 150 pounds of metal.
My family and I went to Blue Rock Springs to help clean up and also because we need hours for 4-H. It was kind of disheartening seeing all of the trash. I remember that at the end I saw one of the peacocks and it showed why I was cleaning: to help preserve the environment and animals. The worst problem was definitely cigarette butts and glitter from gender reveal parties.
Linda Sanz, one of the many volunteers at the clean up, is also a local. It was her 20th Coastal Cleanup at Blue Rock Springs. After the clean up, she got interviewed for the Times Herald, where she said, “There used to be so much wildlife out here and you can tell what the impact is.” She also said, “You don’t see the things we used to see when we were kids.”
There are 12 million tonnes of plastic in the ocean. This is just plastic. Who knows how much more is in the ocean? We all live on this planet, so we need to start working together to help keep the planet going. We all have our own part to play. If you want to join the clean up, the next one will be next year on the third Saturday of September. Even if you don’t want to join, you can make sure you recycle and find more sustainable items.
beniciapaw.com 