A beach cleanup for all ages

Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor is gearing up for its annual International Coastal Cleanup, set for Sept. 21. The event, which will be held across four beaches around Hempstead Harbor, marks a return to the cleanup initiative after last year’s event was canceled due to flooding.

Lisa Cashman, associate director of CSHH, explained that last year’s cleanup was called off because a massive storm caused extreme coastal flooding, making it unsafe for volunteers.

“We didn’t feel it was safe to invite families to the locations where we were planning,” Cashman said. “Roads leading to the beaches were flooded, and we needed to err on the side of caution.”

Despite the setback, the International Coastal Cleanup is more than just a local cleanup effort. In partnership with the Ocean Conservancy and the American Littoral Society, the event contributes to a global data-collection effort aimed to track and address marine debris.

Volunteers at the cleanup will document and catalog the types and quantities of trash collected, which is then entered into a worldwide database. This data helps identify trends in pollution and forms long-term solutions for managing marine debris.

The event will span four key locations: Town of North Hempstead Beach Park, Tappen Beach, Sea Cliff Beach, and Morgan Park Beach. Each site will have a designated captain to oversee the cleanup and data collection. Volunteers will work in teams to gather and record debris, contributing to a larger understanding of pollution in the harbor.

Dina Epstein, one of the beach captains and chair of the Sea Cliff Environmental Conservation Commission, emphasized the importance of the cleanup both for environmental health and community engagement.

“Every day is Coastal Cleanup Day for environmentalists,” Epstein said. “But this event allows us to systematically collect data on the waste we find, which is crucial for understanding and addressing pollution.”

The International Coastal Cleanup is unique in that it not only addresses the immediate need to remove debris but also contributes to a scientific database that helps create policy and environmental practices. Two years ago, when the event was last held, volunteers removed 375 pounds of debris from over a mile of shoreline, collecting a variety of items including 1,233 plastic pieces, 876 cigarette butts, 638 bottle caps, and 634 food wrappers.

“This data is vital for tracking pollution trends and advocating for changes such as plastic bag bans and straw bans,” Cashman noted. “The more data we collect, the better we can understand the threats to our ecosystems and work towards solutions.”

The cleanup is open to the public, and participants can choose to volunteer for any amount of time during the event. Cashman encouraged people of all ages and skill levels to join, noting that volunteers do not need to stay for the full two hours.

“Even if you can only make it for part of the time, your contribution is impactful,” she said. “It’s a great way to get involved and make a difference.”

In addition to beach cleanup activities, Epstein and her team will be available at Sea Cliff Beach to weigh and document the refuse collected.

“We’re looking forward to a great turnout,” Epstein said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for community members to engage with environmental issues and contribute to a cleaner, healthier harbor.”

Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves and comfortable clothing. However, the coalition will provide necessary supplies including trash bags and data collection forms.

Participants are advised to arrive at their chosen beach by 9 a.m. on Sept. 21 to ensure they are ready to begin by the event’s start time.

For more information about the International Coastal Cleanup, the coalition and to register as a volunteer, visit the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor’s website at CoalitionToSaveHempsteadHarbor.org.