It’s that time of year again, when countless conscientious Californians flock to the sunny beaches of California with one goal in mind – to help heal our ailing oceans and clean up our beaches! That’s right, Coastal Clean-Up Day is back. This annual, can’t-miss community clean-up event is taking place on Saturday, September 23rd at hundreds of beaches and watersheds all along the California coastline – including several right here in LA. Sign up as a volunteer and choose a cleanup site near you for a fun morning of raffles, good company and – of course – making our planet a better place for everyone. 

 

But what if you’re busy on the 23rd? Or what if (after reading this article), you did decide to go and had such an amazing time that you’re inspired to do more? Lucky for you, taking action for our beaches is so much more than the big community events that come around every once-in-a-while. It can mean supporting local green businesses and voting and staying informed about local environmental initiatives. It can even mean taking small actions in your day-to-day to help ensure that trash never ends up in the ocean in the first place.

 

Here’s just a small list of other ways you can start taking action in your community today!

 

Other Ways To Take Action

 

Be Sustainable In Your Day-To-Day

 

When it comes to cleaning up our beaches, the best way is to make sure they don’t get dirty to begin with. This means don’t litter, and opt for environmentally-friendly options like canvas tote bags or reusable food containers whenever possible.

 

Of course, from making sure waste goes into the proper bin to avoiding single-use plastics – there can be a lot to think about! Rather than giving up due to the sheer enormity of the task however, instead take heart that EVERY little bit counts. For example, according to the Environmental Resilience Institute at Indiana University, if everyone in the United States composted, it would be equivalent to removing 7.8 million cars from the road. Remember, you don’t have to do it all, but by doing what you can, you are helping to create to a more sustainable future for all.

 

 

Support Sustainable Businesses

 

Did you know that the City of LA keeps a running list of certified businesses, nonprofit organizations and offices that meet environmental standards established by the California Green Business Network (CAGBN)? These standards encompass key categories such as Energy, Pollution Prevention, Solid Waste, Transportation, Community and Water/Wastewater, meaning that if you patronize these establishments, you can have some reassurance that your dollar is supporting more responsible business practices. And if you’re a business owner yourself, the program also avails you of several benefits including free environmental consulting, potential rebates and other financial saving opportunities.

 

 

Advocate for Green Spaces

 

Exercise your voting rights! While presidential, senatorial, and congressional elections tend to grab attention, your most impactful vote often lies at the local level. Learn about what initiatives matter most in your area and do your part to stay informed about all the ways you can lend your voice to fighting for a better, greener future.

 

But don’t think advocacy is confined to the ballot box. Here in Los Angeles, we’re fortunate to be surrounded by numerous organizations committed to protecting, enhancing and expanding our accessible green spaces. From TreePeople to Sierra Club, from Heal The Bay to Friends of the LA River, engaging in local activism offers you the chance to join a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to nurturing and giving back to Mother Nature. If your schedule permits, consider becoming an active volunteer. Regardless, our actions are amplified when we come together. So get involved today!

 

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Remember that while individual choices are important, we’re all stronger together. By backing local green businesses, making conscious daily decisions, pushing for policy changes and participating in events, we turbocharge our positive impact on the oceans. So let’s keep at it and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for our oceans and beyond.

 

Have you taken steps to promote collective action for our oceans? What have been some of your biggest wins? Your biggest lessons? Email us at lastormwater@lacity.org and let’s continue the conversation!

And don’t forget to register for Coastal Clean-Up Day on Saturday, September 23! We’ll see you at the beach!