The sun is out and with San Diego opening up visitors and residents alike will be heading to the beach, parks, hiking trails and other outdoor spots in greater numbers – which unfortunately means more trash and litter that can end up in our water.
Here are some summer trash tips to help keep our water clean:
- This might seem simple but pick up after yourself – it is the simplest action that can make the biggest difference. Find the nearest trash can and throw away anything that doesn’t belong in nature. If there is no trash can nearby, take it with you.
- Alternatively, try to avoid bringing anything at all that can become litter, especially single use plastics. Plastics often contain additives making them stronger, more flexible, and durable. But many of these additives can extend the life of products if they become litter, with some estimates ranging to at least 400 years to break down.
- Dogs love to join us on hikes, at dog parks and dog friendly beaches – scoop the poop! Their waste is not natural – it is full of bacteria and excess nutrients that will contaminate local waterways.
- Wear a reef-friendly sunscreen – mineral based sunscreens reduce the impact on marine life.
- Volunteer for a beach, bay or river clean up — Check out upcoming cleanups with our coalition partners.
- Take the Project Clean Water “52 Ways to Love Your Water” Pledge – weekly small actions that everyone can take that will help protect our waterways.
Get even more tips from Project Clean Water’s own Stephanie Gaines, who went live on CBS8 to share the best advice for protecting our waters.