Earth Day sparks collective action along North American shorelines
Green Marine participants celebrated Earth Day with shoreline cleanup initiatives that removed hundreds of kilograms of garbage, dozens of bags of litter, and large discarded materials from coastal environments.
Here’s an overview of some of the initiatives our members undertook to restore cleaner waterfronts.
Prince Rupert Port Authority
On British Columbia’s north coast, the Prince Rupert Port Authority mobilized more than 50 volunteers from 13 organizations to clean roughly 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) of shoreline across Seal Cove and Port Edward.
The initiative resulted in 404 kilograms (870 pounds) of garbage being collected, with plastic pieces and cigarette butts among the most common items recovered. Volunteers also gathered soft plastic packaging, beverage cans, paper pieces, food wrappers, metal pieces, plastic bags, and Styrofoam debris. Larger discarded items found during the cleanup included a toilet, a ladder, a television, a scooter, six tires, and three kiddie pools.
Photo: Prince Rupert Port Authority
SSA Marine Canada
In Victoria, SSA Marine Canada’s cruise team marked Earth Day with a shoreline cleanup alongside Pacific Northwest Transportation Services, crew members from the Norwegian Bliss, and fellow Green Marine participants Tymac Launch Service and Greater Victoria Harbour Authority.
44 participants showed up and helped remove shoreline litter, including two large scrap-metal pieces weighing a combined 33 kgs (73 lbs).
Photo: SSA Marine Canada
The Pasha Group
For the second consecutive year, the Pasha Group organized a shoreline cleanup along the Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline in Oakland. Working with the East Bay Regional Park District, the volunteers collected more than 25 bags of trash.
The cleanup focused largely on micro-trash, which poses long-term environmental risks when left to accumulate or break down further along shorelines.
Other Green Marine members
Green Marine partner EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC had 15 employees voluntarily come together at Cox’s Point Park in Essex, Maryland to collect multiple bags of litter.
Meanwhile, supporter Georgian Bay Forever organized a cleanup along Wasaga Beach, Ontario, that resulted in the collection of more than 108 kgs (238 lbs) of litter.
The various cleanup events demonstrate how local commitment leads to healthier ecosystems and more enjoyable shorelines for everyone. By removing waste and addressing micro-pollution, our members work to preserve the environmental integrity of these areas, reinforcing a respectful coexistence with their local communities.