Conservation

Keepin' it Clean

by Thaddeus Foote on June 30, 2009 at 08:45AM

About 370 million years ago, a slimy little four-legged vertebrate called a tetrapod, crawled its way from the comforts of water to unknown terrestrial life. Thus began our evolutionary infatuation with the threshold between terra firma and oceanus, otherwise known as the beach.

This year, 180 million of us will return to the sandy shore for recreation, rejuvenation, food and freedom. And this week, July 1-7, to be exact, thousands of us will take to the shores with shovels and rakes and plastic bags to partake in National Clean Beach Week, allowing the beaches we love to "declare independence" from the refuse of modern life.

"Clean Beaches Week is the 'Earth Day' for beaches," according to the Clean Beaches Council. After seven successful years, Clean Beaches Week continues to remind citizens of coastal importance, inspire them to participate, and offer opportunities to help.

Here in Miami, the Environmental Coalition of Miami Beach offers many organized cleanup events throughout the year from South Beach to Monument Island. Visit ECOMB.org for a list of events and CinemaGreen showtimes. If you can't get to the beach this week, you can practice the "leave no trace" philosophy whenever you go out, and pack out what you pack in, taking your garbage and recycling with you when you leave a beach or any natural space.

Of course, you can ensure the sustainability of the beaches and the oceans with nearly everything you do. Make sure you choose local, sustainable seafood options by checking out the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch List before you fire up the grill. If you're headed to the beach this weekend, beat the parking headaches and consider a more sustainable option for travel such as public transportation or carpool, or, if you live close, consider biking or walking to the beach. If your travels take you far, consider purchasing carbon credits to offset your carbon emissions.

If you have ever gazed out toward the horizon in awe, or written your name in the sand, or tilted your head back and smiled into the warm sun, you understand the special lure and magic of a beach. This week, pack up your favorite beach toy, dust off that book you've been meaning to read and hop the bus to the nearest beach. It's time to celebrate, appreciate, and give back. When you're there, pick up that plastic bag that's blowing in the wind and fill it with anything unnatural you happen to come across.