If you’re looking for ways to make a difference from a safe distance – consider doing a beach clean-up! This one of those actions that speak to the power of true change. We might feel what we’re doing just amounts to a drop in the ocean but, really, it is part of a ripple effect of positive change.

While COVID-19 may have carved out different routines for most of us, beach clean-ups are still as important as ever. Maybe you’re interested in doing a household or a small group cleanup – or maybe even just solo!

Here are some tips:

All in the Prep

• Prepare your cleanup supplies ahead of time.

• Supplies include gloves, bags, hand sanitizer, garbage pickers/grabbers. Don’t forget your mask!

• Consider going official by registering with the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. This organization keeps track of garbage to arm them with stats to strengthen advocacy.

• Make sure your local municipality is allowing access to the beach (or park, or wherever you choose to do your clean-up!).

During the Cleanup

• Wear gloves and avoid touching our eyes, nose, or mouth. Wash your hands or use sanitizer often.

• Keep two meters apart from anybody who is not a member of your household.

• Use a separate bag to place used gloves, masks, and other protective equipment.

After the Cleanup

• If you registered your clean-up (even if it’s a solo clean-up!) try to estimate the weight of your garbage before you dispose of it.

• Speaking of disposal: make sure your bags of garbage are closed well and don’t have holes.

• Recycle wherever possible. Used masks and gloves are garbage but most clean plastic, glass, metals, and paper can be recycled.

• Clean your gear. Sanitize everything, including your garbage pickers.

• On behalf of Sealuxe, thank you for doing your part in helping our oceans! Clean-ups help prevent animals from mistakenly eating plastics (which, in turn, harm humans due to the vast amount of microplastics floating in the ocean). Many marine animals have a diet of plankton and cannot distinguish the difference between microplastics and phytoplankton.

And – as soon as it is safe to do so – Sealuxe will resume our community clean-ups. In addition to doing our part, we have so much fun hanging out with you!