It's spring break time, and VolunteerCleanup.org is partnering with the City of Miami Beach to engage with our visitors to keep our beaches clean. This is not a traditional beach cleanup, but our work will be vital to keep plastic out of the oceans.

• Volunteers will hand out garbage bags to people on the beach and encourage them to carry their trash up to the garbage cans
• Volunteers will walk along the water line picking up any plastic they see to keep it from getting into the ocean
• Volunteers will walk around with signage encouraging people to pack out their trash and keep our beaches clean 

VolunteerCleanup.org will provide all supplies needed for the cleanup (gloves, bags, buckets, pickers etc) 

MEETING SPOT: 

We will be set up on the sand at the entrance to the beach at 10th Street

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

• Parking will be EXTREMELY difficult, so we recommend public transit, bikes, or ride share.  If you you are commuting to South Beach by car, the closest parking garages on 7th and Collins and 13th and Washington and are usually a flat rate of $20 per car during these peak events. Therefore, you may want to allow extra time to park further from the beach and walk 10-15 minutes to the meeting spot. The Ocean Drive area will be chaotic by car.  You can perhaps find metered street parking near Alton and 10th areas. You can also try the Flamingo Park parking lot, at 943 11th St, which is a 12 minute walk. 
• Community Service Hours offered...
• Bring your own water in a reusable bottle (no single-use plastic please), we will have a refill station to refill your bottles. 
• You will be working in groups of 4-5 people for safety. There will be big crowds on the beach, but *should* be a calmer crowd compared to last weekend. 
• We will provide clean gloves, buckets and pickers - you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer
• Dress for the weather and wear comfortable footwear (we suggest closed toed shoes) and consider reef-safe sun protection and hat

A small win is actually a big win. For years, a popular chain drug store in Miami Beach had a dumpster in their parking lot for their boxes and waste. They must have spent thousands of dollars for this roll-away, and it was such as shame to see all that cardboard entering the landfill (they didn't even flatten the boxes to save space and reduce the number of pickups they needed). On 2 separate occasions, I filled out the customer survey on the receipt and shared my thoughts and the negative impression I had on their business, especially when another store of the same chain a mere 7 blocks away bundled the cardboard nicely. Apparently they read those surveys, because now they got rid of the dumpster and are bundling their cardboard.!. One for the win jar.!. See Something, Say Something.

100% Plastic Free Soda and Water Contract for the City of Miami Beach

We single-handedly tanked a 10-year renewal of an exclusive beverage contract between Coca-Cola and the City of Miami Beach that would have put an additional 25 million single-use plastic bottles (400,000 pounds) onto our beaches while leaving taxpayers to fund the cleanup and waste removal. Our lobbying of elected officials and direct engagement with PepsiCo led to a new contract that was 100% aluminum for all soda and water products, brought millions of dollars of revenue to the City coffers, AND placed the burden of capturing the infinitely recyclable (and valuable) aluminum onto the manufacturer.

Terms include:

• Plastic-Free for all Soda and Water - PepsiCo partnered with Proud Source Water, which offers a 16oz resealable and refillable aluminum water bottle. The water option is carbon neutral and sourced responsibly.
• Revenue for the City - For the privilege of being the exclusive beverage sponsor, PepsiCo pays an annual sponsor fee in addition to a 'per case sold' rebate.
• Effective Recycling - For far too long, large companies financially benefit from sales of their products while passing on the costs of waste collection and disposal to the public (the city spends a small fortune cleaning the beaches and disposing of the tens of tons of trash generated by beachgoers). Because aluminum is so valuable (~.50 per pound), Pepsi is bringing in a 3rd party Replenysh to help recapture the material and get it back directly to PepsiCo to be turned into new beverage cans. Cans made from Recycled aluminum have roughly the same CO2 emissions as plastic (virgin aluminum is significantly higher, which is why capture and recycling is critical).

Click READ MORE for the details and video stories:

Here in Miami Beach, we have spent a decade trying to eliminate cigarette butt litter in very creative and engaging ways including:

• We’ve produced and handed out 10,000+ reusable pocket ashtrays (made of recycled material of course) (see the pocket ashtray program here)
• We partnered with Surfrider and the City of Miami Beach to deploy 100 pole-mounted ashtrays now capturing tens of thousands of cig butts (see the ashcan program here)
• Walked up and down the beach with conversation-starting ‘Good Butts on the Beach / Bad Butts on the Beach’ signs.

All this time, we’ve continued to lobby elected officials to take on more responsibility, and we were thrilled that City of Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez called and told us he wanted to PROHIBIT SMOKING ON BEACHES AND PARKS (after Florida removed a statewide preemption that prevented us from creating such a regulation). We lobbied the other commissioners and spoke on behalf of the proposal, and it passed 5-1. The ban goes into effect on January 1, 2023. We realize enforcement will be difficult, but we are hoping the conversation gets smokers to realize that cigarette butts are made of non-biodegradable plastic that must be disposed of properly and that the planet (especially our beach) is not just a big ashtray. City communications has already created sandwich board signage at the entrance and is already getting the word out through social media and the local magazine. READ THE SMOKING BAN LEGISLATION

WATCH THE LOCAL 10 NEWS SEGMENT ON THE BAN

We know that we cannot clean our way out of this ocean plastic mess, but we've always believed that cleanups can provide an eye-opening experience that will put people on a path to being part of the solution. So the obvious question is, how do cleanups affect the participants?

In 2021 and 2022, we started sending a post-event survey to the 3,000 volunteers who participate in our annual International Coastal Cleanup event, and the data shows that cleanups have a powerful impact on awareness, education, and behavior. 

Some highlights:

• 66% had an increase in knowledge about marine debris from attending a cleanup
• 73% committed to using fewer single-use plastics
• 96% want to do more to protect the environment
• 81% committed to attending another cleanup. 
• One of our favorite quotes is: “People can do some extraordinary things if they work together for a cause.”

Download the 2022 ICC Impact Survey Results

We've been working really hard this year, and we've highlighted 3 reasons why we think you might want to add VolunteerCleanup.Org to your donation list. Whether you donate or not, we hope you will 'Click More' to read our list of recent accomplishments - we are SUPER proud of our work). 

The Biscayne Bay Marine Health Coalition (BBMHC) is a coalition of volunteers working collaboratively with government agencies, academic institutions, businesses and nonprofits dedicated to advocating solutions for a healthy and resilient Biscayne Bay watershed. The Biscayne Bay Marine Health Coalition invites Biscayne Bay stakeholders and interested community members, once again, to join us at the 2022 Biscayne Bay Marine Health Summit (Spring '22) to report on the progress of the Task Force, advance its recommendations, and identify potential new restoration opportunities.

Thank you for supporting our vision to create a sustainable and healthy Biscayne Bay. 

The Biscayne Bay Marine Health Summit is a sponsored project of Miami-Dade Coastal Cleanup, Inc, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions on behalf of the Biscayne Bay Marine Health Summit must be made payable to Miami-Dade Coastal Cleanup, Inc (VolunteerCleanup.Org) and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

2017 and 2019 Summit Pictures

Losing a loved one is a sad and difficult time. Activites and events should both memorialize the individual and help the survivors as they navigate the healing process. There are many positive ways to honor the departed - including planting a tree, raising money for a charity, or doing a community service event. If the deceased loved the outdoors, beaches, oceans, or turtles, a memorial beach, shoreline or park cleanup can be a very special way to celebrate life and include extended friends and community in the mourning process. Whatever you chose, please avoid destructive things like balloon / sky lantern releases (which cause death and destruction) or butterfly / dove releases (which promote the breeding and exploitation of animals).

A note about Balloon Releases - Don't do them. What goes up, must come down, and balloons create litter and deadly ingestion or entanglement for wildlife (popped balloons actually look like Jellyfish and are easily ingested by turtles). While the intent is beautiful, the outcome is deadly. Don't honor a life by causing death. In addition to being deadly for wildlife, balloons filled with helium are contributing to the depletion of this finite resource that is essential for life-saving medical procedures, scientific research, and many other important applications. If you'd like to learn more about why we shouldn't do balloon releases, visit our friends at www.balloonsblow.org. (photos below came from balloonsblow.org)

If you would like to organizing your own Memorial Cleanup, you can access our 'Host your Own Cleanup' guide here: https://www.volunteercleanup.org/organize. If you would like to lead your cleanup, we offer very affordable options to organize the entire activity and supplies. If you aren't sure which way you would like to go, reach out to us at [email protected] and we'll be happy to help.

To see a local news story about a wonderful memorial cleanup (and reaction from the attendees), click below: 

Are you looking for a fun Mitzvah Project? How about a beach or neighborhood cleanup! It's easy, impactful, and educational - and who doesn't love a day outside in nature....

Many Jewish congregations require bar / bat mitzvah students to take on a charity, social or community service project as part of their bar / bat mitzvah preparations. A Mitzvah Project is a meaningful way to engage the child and their family/friends in some of the most important values of Judaism – repairing the world (tikkun olam) and compassion for others (v’ahavta l’rayecha kamocha). Students are encouraged to create a unique project that suits his or her personality and focus on issues they care about.

But practicing tikkun olam doesn't apply only to Mitzvah students. Many Congregations aim to ignite a lifelong commitment to social justice, kindness and charity by organizing Mitzvah days for all members to participate in. Beach or Neighborhood Cleanups are appropriate for all ages and capacities.

Organizing a Beach, Shoreline, or Neighborhood Cleanup mitzvah projects is an easy, yet impactful and rewarding event for the participants, community and planet. While the event will clean up human made litter, the ultimate goal is to learn about the marine debris problem impacts, causes, and what we as individuals, businesses and society can do to solve the issue.

If you want to host your own event, you can access our 'Host your Own Cleanup' guide here: https://www.volunteercleanup.org/organize. If you need additional guidance, send us an email to [email protected] and we'd love to chat.

The Butt Ballot is a fun and engaging solution to ensure responsible cigarette disposal and recycling. These are great for music venues, festivals, or beaches. Customize it with your own messaging and 'voting' question.

If you are interested to connect with the manufacturer, just send us an email to [email protected].

Hosting a neighborhood, shoreline, or waterway cleanup is easy and fun, and we are here to help you succeed!

Once you decide when and where you want to do a cleanup, you can post your event to recruit and manage volunteers. Here how our free platform can help you:

• Your event will be promoted on our public search page (you can make it hidden if only want to have your group members to have access)
• Your event will be included in our weekly email blast to volunteers who have asked to be notified of upcoming cleanups near them (you can make it hidden)
• You will be able to manage and communicate with volunteers who have signed up
• Waivers are signed by volunteers when they register (You can also have your own via Google Form or printed when they arrive)
• We can provide a Community Service Form that you can provide to your volunteers upon completion of the event
• Email support if you have any questions or need guidance

Before you get started, you might find our "Host Your Own Cleanup" guide handy.
Volunteer Waivers can be downloaded here
If you have questions, feel free to email us at [email protected]

Click HERE to access your account and post your cleanup

Do your own #SoloCleanup

• You can participate as often as you'd like!

• Locations can be your favorite park, neighborhood, beach, or waterway

• Earn Community Service Hours (you must follow the instructions below to get your certificate)

Safety Guidelines: For anyone doing their own cleanup, please review the safety guidelines and 8 Steps to doing your own cleanup below. Reach out with any questions to [email protected] We are here to help! 

Supplies: If you are doing your own independent cleanup, at a bare minimum you will need gloves and a garbage bag. We like these reusable and washable gloves for $1/pair at Home Depot, but even dishwashing gloves available at your local grocery store are fine. You can easily re-purpose a used bucket too (ask local restaurants who may have food service items like soy sauce, pickles or condiments that come in buckets to donate!)

Clean Swell: Citizen Science Data collection is a crucial component used to quantify the problem and help support good government policy. Download the app before your cleanup and log the types and amounts of trash you collect. (Logging your trash in Clean Swell is required for community service hours). Check out the CleanSwell poster or Watch the short Video for more guidance on using the app. 

Community Service Hours: We give a maximum of 2-hours per cleanup. 

To be eligible to receive community service hours for your cleanup, you must log your cleanup in Clean Swell. When you are done collecting and have submitted your data you will receive an email summary. Forward that summary along with a photo of you and your bags from the cleanup to [email protected]  We will send you an electronic community service certificate within 1 week.  We'd like to see some action shot photos of you at the location, 1 photo that shows some of the items you found,  and at least 1 photo that shows the cumulative impact.. ALL of the trash you collected. So if you have multiple bags of trash or buckets, take a photo of ALL of the trash together before you throw it away so i can see the total volume. If you want to earn an additional hour (3-hours total) see details below about the optional essay you can submit along with your cleanup photos and cleanswell report.  The bonus hour for the essay is limited to 1 per person, but you can do as many cleanups as you'd like! 

We will give you an additional hour (1 per person) if you want to write a 1-page essay about your cleanup and addressing the following points. 

Cleanup Essay:

• Where and when did you do your cleanup? Who was with you?
• What kinds of items did you find on your cleanup?
  • What did you find the MOST of?
  • Did you find anything unusual or strange?
• How did it make you feel to find these items during your cleanup? What were your reactions to the activity? Any thoughts or insights as a result?
• Where do you think this trash is coming from? How did it get to the location where you found it?
• What are the impacts of trash in our oceans and beaches? Why should we be concerned about marine debris?
• Do you have any ideas on what we can ALL do better, to prevent this problem?
  • What can you do personally in your life?
  • What should government be doing?
  • What should businesses be doing?

Social Media: Spreading knowledge of our marine debris problem is critical to solving the problem. Share pictures on social media with any personal asks or changes that you are committing to, and tag @VolunteerCleanup so we can like your post.!. 

Thank you for your interest in doing your own #solocleanup as part of the International Coastal Cleanup Season. We expect most volunteers to provide their own gloves and garbage bags. However, if that is not possible, we have a limited number of bags and gloves available for pickup at various locations. 

In order to receive the list of locations where you can pick them up, please read and agree to the following terms. The email confirmation you receive may be required at the locations where you will pick up your supplies. 

By signing up below, I acknowledge and agree to the following: 

1. I have reviewed the Safety Guidelines 
2. I am aware of the Miami-Dade emergency orders currently in effect, requiring social distancing and mask wearing in public
3. I accept VolunteerCleanup.org's Terms of Service and Liability Release

VolunteerCleanup.Org hands out reusable pocket ashtrays to smokers at music festivals, events, tobacco shops and while walking down the street. We approach mid-smoke with a smile and a very simple 'Hey friend, here is a free pocket ashtray for you so you have a good place to put your butt when you are done.' While that might be the end of the engagement, the conversation is just beginning. The messaging on the pocket ashtray educates them that their butts are not biodegradable (they are made of cellulose plastic), and that cigarette litter washes down the storm drains and straight out to waterways. What they do after that is up to them.

• If you would like some pocket ashtrays to hand out, or would like to custom brand your own, email [email protected] and give us your plan.
• It costs us $1 to put a reusable pocket ashtray directly into the hands of a smoker. If you would like to support our efforts, feel free to make a donation.
• Check out the presentation we gave at the International Marine Debris Conference explaining how we use Design Thinking and the Theory of Reciprocity to Educate and Engage Cigarette Smokers.

Commissioner Ken Russell proclaims May 12, 2016 as "Henry West Lab 5th Grade Class Day" for their work in raising awareness of plastic trash in Biscayne Bay and taking action with shoreline cleanups. Story after the video.

VolunteerCleanup.Org runs a 'Cash for Trash' program to help student clubs, groups and PTA's raise money for projects, give students community service hours, and provide a valuable service for our planet. 

While groups can use the money for any project - including new band instruments, uniforms, or a school trip, we like specifically like to fund greening program projects within the schools. Want a water bottle refill station, recycling bins, or a school garden? We'd love to help partipcate. 

For more info, email [email protected]

Your tax-deductible gift to the Miami-Dade Coastal Cleanup, Inc. - a 501(c)(3) non-profit - helps us engage volunteers to cleanup their neighborhoods, shorelines, and waterways as a way to raise awareness about marine debris and encourage people to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics.

Corporate Sponsorships or Material Donations: If you or your organization are interested in sponsoring VolunteerCleanup.Org (Miami-Dade Coastal Cleanup), or have materials that you think would be valuable (services, buckets, reusable gloves, plastic bags, etc), please email [email protected]

You can also raise money for us while you shop on Amazon! https://smile.amazon.com/ch/42-1766017

Miami Dade Coastal Cleanup, Inc. is a tax approved 501(c)(3) public charity by the IRS and a Florida registered charity (#CH26608). No goods or services were provided in exchange for your contribution. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free (800-435-7352) within the State. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendations by the State.

Sponsors

VolunteerCleanup.Org relies on the support of local businesses and government entities to help fund this monumental event. Financial contributions from the sponsors listed below helped us increase the number of sites and providing material support for all the volunteers.

For tax-deductible sponsorship opportunities, check out our Sponsorship Package contact Dara Schoenwald at [email protected] or 786-525-6040. 

Thank you to our 2016 Sponsors

VolunteerCleanup.Org is a project of Miami-Dade Coastal Cleanup, Inc., which is a tax approved 501c3 public charity by the IRS and a Florida registered charity (#CH26608). A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free (800-435-7352) within the State. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendations by the State.

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