Volunteers sought to help clean beaches
Volunteers picked up 4,681 cigarette butts (among other pieces of trash) from Wareham and Onset beaches last fall as part of the state’s Coastsweep program. This year, Don’t Trash Wareham organizers are gearing up for a second round of cleaning. They hope more people will participate in three cleanups, set for Sept. 17, Sept. 24 and Oct. 1.
Since 1987, people throughout the state have turned out for the annual cleanup of beaches. Trash and debris is collected and recorded for state records.
Nora Bicki, a member of Don’t Trash Wareham, said this year marks the second time Wareham residents will participate in the state project.
“It’s important to clean up the beaches,” said Bicki. “We could have done it on our own, but this way we’re part of a state project that adds some data to what’s being thrown out. It’s a continuation of our regular cleanup.”
The state provides bags, gloves and forms to record the various trash picked up, said Bicki. Last year, approximately 25 people participated and hopefully more will turn out this year.
“Each time we do a clean up we get more volunteers,” she said. “The more people we have the less time it takes to clean up and that’s a good thing.”
Anyone may participate. For more information or to sign up, email donttrashwareham@gmail.com so organizers know how much supplies to bring.
The first cleanup is set for Sept. 17 (rain date Sept. 18) at Swifts and Swifts Neck Beaches; the second on Sept. 24 (rain date Sept. 25) at Little Harbor Beach and the third Oct. 1 (rain date Oct. 2) at Onset and Shell Point Beaches.
All cleanups will take place from 10 a.m. to noon.