MIDDLETOWN — Clean Ocean Action (COA) will celebrate a milestone in its Beach Sweeps program by hosting the first Beach Sweep 25! Symposium: A Generation of Action Against Beach Litter on Saturday, March 13, at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft.
The symposium will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m., followed by a cocktail reception.
Beach Sweeps is one of the longestrunning cleanup programs in the nation, and has resulted in the removal of nearly 4 million pieces of trash, according to a press release from COA. More than 75,000 citizens of all ages have been educated about the harmful effects of litter and motivated to make a difference.
“Though the Beach Sweeps have become a family tradition, our goal is to have beaches litter-free naturally, no longer needing these events,” said Cindy Zipf, COA’s executive director.
Conference panelists will include scientists, legislators and citizens who will present the truth behind the volunteer-collected data, reveal the real harms of beach litter, as well as uncover the steps needed to reduce the problem. Confirmed speakers include state Sen. Barbara Buono (D- 18th District), N.J. Clean Communities Council Director Sandy Huber and Surfrider South Jersey Chapter’s John Weber.
The symposium keynote speaker will be Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-6th District), who will address how clean beaches and waterways are essential for our economy, our health and our environment.
During the concurrent breakout sessions, participants can learn to take specific pollution prevention actions such as how to advocate for a plastic bag ban in their community; integrate a recycling program in their local school; or have fun with Beach Sweeps data through an educational activity.
The afternoon sessions will feature informative topics including funding sources for sweeps and beyond, Beach Sweep educational models, how-to campaigns and recycling problem plastics.
As a nod to 25 Years of Beach Sweeps, COA will also be publishing a Journal of Citizen Action Against Beach Litter. The journal will highlight data and trends in ocean pollution and educate the public on ways to reduce ocean pollution. The journal will be distributed at the symposium and be available online March 15.
Reservations are required for this event: adult admission $10, student rate $5, at the door $25. Breakfast, lunch and light fare will be served. For more information and to register, visit www.CleanOceanAction.org or contact Tavia Danch at 732-872-0111 or education@ cleanoceanaction.org.