1 MILLION LBS OF TRASH
Since 2018, REEF has been a proud partner of the Surfrider Foundation, and co-founder of the Better Beach Alliance. In that time, we have seen firsthand the impacts and importance of beach cleanups— they do so much more than clean the beach! We invite you to join the Better Beach Alliance by hosting your own Solo Beach Cleanup— learn how here! Read on to learn about the ripple effect that your cleanup can have on your community and the planet, now and for generations to come.
DIRECT IMPACTS OF THE BETTER BEACH ALLIANCE
1 million lbs of trash off our beaches worldwide. Through our partnerships with Surfrider in regions around the globe, REEF has supported the removal of over 1 million pounds of trash and recycling from beaches, waterways and communities throughout the United States, Europe and Australia. The cleanups are hosted by Surfrider chapters and branches, as well as by individuals just like you!
COMMUNITY SCIENCE
Through beach cleanups, we can all contribute important data that helps organizations like Surfrider keep up the fight to protect the ocean and coasts. In cleaning trash and recyclables from our beaches, we not only remove these items from the natural environment, but we can record and report our findings to help scientists and decision makers better understand ocean and coastal pollution. You can join the Better Beach Alliance by hosting your own solo cleanup at your local beach, waterway or outdoor recreation area, and reporting your data directly to Surfrider’s beach cleanup database— just follow this simple guide to engage in community science and help protect your local beach!
THE RIPPLE EFFECT
Surfrider defines a campaign victory as a decision made in favor of the coastal environment that results in a positive conservation outcome, improves coastal access, or does both. With the data collected at beach cleanups, Surfrider’s volunteer network and team of experts are able to advocate for and influence policies and legislation to help reduce the pollutants being found on the beach— ultimately contributing to campaign victories at the local, state and federal levels. With REEF’s support, Surfrider has achieved the most recorded Coastal Victories in a single year since they first began tracking their campaign successes. So far in 2021, of Surfrider’s 52 campaign victories, 28 will help effectively reduce plastic pollution at the source. Help us keep up the momentum this year by hosting a Solo Beach Cleanup and reporting your data to Surfrider, so that it can be used to reduce plastic pollution from the source. Learn more and download a data card here!