Send us Photos of Yourself in Action!
Coastal Clean-up Day is still ON for 2020! There have been some changes to help us stay safe during COVID-19 while keeping our oceans clean. Coastal Clean-Up Day is an annual event where communities across the world come together to protect our coasts by cleaning up neighborhoods or natural areas. This year, the City of Goleta is still partnering with the County of Santa Barbara, Explore Ecology (the event coordinator), and other local jurisdictions, but instead of gathering together at beaches and sites throughout the County on a single day, cleanups will happen in our local neighborhoods and we can use technology to collaborate.
Community members are encouraged to clean up their neighborhood or favorite open space Saturday mornings in September from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. The dates include September 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th. Your cleanups should be self-guided and close to home. We know there are local beach restrictions over Labor Day Weekend (September 4 – 7), but you can still do coastal clean-up work as long as you keep moving, do not gather and are working independently or with people from your own household. Also, keep in mind there are many other options to participate in Coastal Clean-Up Day. Local parks, shores, creeks, streets, drainage areas, sidewalks, natural areas, and trails are great choices. Practice physical distancing and strictly follow both local ordinances and the set of guidelines provided on the California Coastal Commission website to make this a safe cleanup for you and your community. While not necessary, we would love to track how many people participate. Please register here to connect with us!
We want to see you in action! Please send us your best pictures of you participating in a Coastal Clean-Up activity. Email it to PIO@CityofGoleta.org with a short caption for a chance to be on our Facebook (@CityofGoleta) page, Instagram (@cityofgoleta) page, and the City’s Environmental Services webpages. Please also tag us while you’re out and about, or after you complete your cleanup: #coastalcleanup, #protectyourhappyplace, #cityofgoleta.
There is a great new app that can help us track how well we are doing as a community, and globally. Use the Clean Swell App to report the different kinds and amounts of trash you find. There are other ways to submit your trash data, find out more at Explore Ecology’s website here.
City of Goleta Director of Public Works Charlie Ebeling said, “During these unusual and challenging times, one thing we can all appreciate is the natural beauty of our coasts, creeks and open spaces. We are all incredibly lucky to have clean water, thriving habitats, and the ability to enjoy one of the most spectacular natural environments in the world. I am very excited to do my part to help protect our natural assets. Please join us any Saturday in September to help keep Goleta clean and beautiful.”
Melissa Nelson, City of Goleta Environmental Services Coordinator, added, “I am so excited to be a part of this event. Every day I’m not only inspired by our exquisite natural surroundings, but by the dedicated community that protects them. Thank you for helping to Protect Your Happy Place!”
Learn more about guidance for neighborhood cleanups, including preparation, cleanup, and post cleanup here. Have fun and remember, safety first!