The monthly cleanup brigade was created over two decades ago following the International Earth Day events. A participant in the 1997 annual island wide cleanup suggested the idea.
BECQ staff and community volunteers meet on the first Saturday of every month for two hours to clean up and dispose of trash.
The brigade aims to prevent trash from becoming marine debris. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization reported that “land-based sources (such as agricultural runoff, discharge of nutrients and pesticides and untreated sewage including plastics) account for approximately 80% of marine pollution, globally. Marine habitats worldwide are contaminated with man-made debris.”
BECQ environmental specialist Loy Atalig said on average, the brigade collects about 500 to 800 pounds of debris per cleanup. Last month’s beach cleanup at Marine Beach collected 760 pounds of debris.
She said past volunteers for the brigade were mostly members of church groups and school environmental clubs. He added that the number of volunteers tends to decrease during the summer months due to schools not being in session.
Atalig said water, gloves, trash bags, and hand sanitizer will be provided to the volunteers. A barbecue usually follows as a “thank you” to volunteers.
BECQ encourages the public to attend the monthly beach cleanups, and help maintain the Commonwealth’s natural environment.
