Join Coastal Cleanup Day to Protect San Diego’s Waterways

Environmental organizations are mobilizing volunteers for a significant cleanup effort in San Diego. On September 23, 2023, from 9 a.m. to noon, We Clean Trails, Friends of Rose Creek, and I Love A Clean San Diego will host a cleanup along Rose Creek in Pacific Beach. This event is part of the annual Coastal Cleanup Day, aimed at protecting local waterways from litter and pollution.

Karin Zirk, the executive director of Friends of Rose Creek, emphasized the urgency of the cause. “By 2050, there could be more plastic than fish by weight in the world’s oceans if we don’t defend our waterways from litter,” she stated. The cleanup aims not only to remove debris but also to foster a culture of sustainability among participants.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own wagons, buckets, work gloves, and reusable water bottles to minimize waste during the event. Zirk noted, “We would love to be as close to ‘zero waste’ as we can this year, and you can help.” To facilitate the cleanup, participants should meet at Mission Bay High School, located at 2475 Grand Ave., in the faculty parking lot on the east side of the campus overlooking Rose Creek. Parking will be available along Grand Avenue and in a lot off Lee Street, west of the campus.

To ensure a safe and efficient cleanup, volunteers should wear closed-toed shoes, long pants, and long sleeves. The organizers will provide drinking water and healthy snacks for participants throughout the event.

Those interested in volunteering can register in advance at CleanupDay.org or sign up on-site. Participants under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian’s signature on their waiver, which can be downloaded ahead of time or signed at the event.

This initiative represents a collective effort to preserve the environment and promote community involvement in maintaining the health of San Diego’s waterways.