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Summer is the time for beach sweeps
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This week I was lucky enough to be able to participate in a huge beach sweep on several Chicago beaches. I have participated in many beach clean-up efforts over the last few years, but this one was particularly pleasurable because the sweep was a joint effort between John G. Shedd Aquarium and Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola’s Midwest management was out in force and full of enthusiasm for the clean-up task set for them. It was very refreshing to be with so many people so intent on doing their part to protect the Great Lakes.
In hopes of aspiring more people to take the best care of our beaches as possible I would like to share some interesting information with you. First, the single item that is found most often on beaches are cigarette butts. Even though all of the beaches in Chicago are non-smoking beaches, there is still a huge problem. Also, there are thousands of plastic bags and food wrappers found on beaches every year. This garbage can effect lake wildlife and clog intake valves as well as making beaches a less pleasant place to spend your time.
Now most of these items end up on the beach because patrons on the beach are careless with their garbage. Some of the items do make it to beaches by other means, but the lesson is the same either way. Respect your environment and the wonderful natural resources we are afforded by nature and make sure to watch your garbage on the beach. When spending a day on the beach designate a garbage bag and use it, or better yet, bring a reusable bag and take everything you bring to the beach home with you.
Also, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities that are open to the public. Make sure to visit the Alliance for the Great lakes website and Shedd Aqurium Great Lakes awareness website to find volunteer opportunities to help Lake Michigan.
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