Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup Set for Sept. 15

Join the movement for Trash Free Seas by pledging to Take on the Trash

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Ocean Conservancy announces the 27^th annual International Coastal Cleanup, taking place September 15, by asking volunteers around the world to pledge to Take on the Trash. Those who pledge will help build the collective movement for Trash Free Seas – both by reducing their own trash impact and helping clean up what's already out there.   

Videos, graphics and photos are available to download.

This year's Cleanup will have even greater significance with the anticipation of possible Japan tsunami debris on the West Coast.  Ocean Conservancy hopes to compare data collected this year to historical numbers.  This adds to response efforts from various sectors – including NOAA and other federal and state agencies, the military, businesses and nonprofit organizations. 

For more information visit Tsunami Debris: What You Need to Know.

"Trash jeopardizes the health of our ocean, our economy and people," said David Pittenger, director of Ocean Conservancy's Trash Free Seas program.  "Sometimes there are uncontrollable events – like the Japan tsunami – that add to the larger problem of marine debris.  That's why it's important to tackle what's preventable." 

"We need more volunteers than ever," Pittenger said. "Last year, volunteers found enough food packaging to get takeout for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day for the next 858 years."

The Cleanup is part of a growing movement to tackle ocean trash at every point in the lifecycle.  Here are six ways to Take on the Trash:

• Join the International Coastal Cleanup: Check out signuptocleanup.org to find cleanup opportunities.
• Sign the pledge and invite your friends to Take on the Trash: build the movement to reduce the impact of trash on our ocean.
• Clean up in your neighborhood with our downloadable kit.
• Check out Ocean Conservancy's new mobile app, Rippl: Sign up to be among the first to know when it's released. Rippl helps you make sustainable lifestyle choices by delivering weekly green living tips and helping to build new habits that lead to a lower trash impact.
• Support Trash Free Seas: Donate to help.
• Get Inspired: Check out Ocean Conservancy's running list of features, blog posts and more.

Partners:
The Coca-Cola Company has supported Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup for the past 17 years. Last year, Coca-Cola activated a global employee engagement campaign to encourage participation in the Cleanup. Over 24,000 Coca-Cola system associates, their friends and families in 26 countries volunteered, contributing almost 200,000 hours of time.  As part of its commitment to address global climate change, Bank of America has supported the Cleanup for the past several years, with thousands of employees participating in Cleanup events all around the world. Other national sponsors include National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Altria Group, Inc., The Dow Chemical Company, Landshark Lager, Glad, The Walt Disney Company, Brunswick Public Foundation, CVS Caremark and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Media Contact: Katie Cline, 202-351-0482, kcline@oceanconservancy.org

SOURCE Ocean Conservancy