Scientists estimate that more than 17 billion pounds (8 million metric tons) of plastic enters our ocean every year. Plastics in our ocean not only threaten marine life­, but can also impact us. We depend on the ocean for the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. Making a difference for our ocean is easy. The International Coastal Cleanup has brought together 13 million people from 150 countries to be part of the world’s largest volunteer effort to protect the ocean. Volunteers have collected 250 million pounds of trash along our coastlines and waterways! Last year, the Washington D.C. cleanup was a huge success, with over 500 volunteers picking up 4,000 pounds of debris along the shores of the Anacostia! Will you join us this year?

Event details:

Registration opens at 9:30am to volunteers at the entrance of Kingman and Heritage Islands. An International Coastal Cleanup tee shirt, breakfast snacks, coffee and drinking water will be available free of charge to volunteers when they arrive. Please bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated! After a short speaking program, volunteers will pick up the provided gloves and trash bags from Ocean Conservancy staff and disperse across Kingman and Heritage Islands to collect and record trash items. After cleaning, volunteers meet back at the clearing to enjoy a free lunch.