According to Conservation International “8 million metric tons of plastic” end up in the ocean each year, that’s nearly “17 billion pounds”. It is safe to say that every single one of us has been outside and have seen trash littered about. Eventually, if those items are not removed and taken to a proper place, they will make way into the ocean via waterways. Anything that channels water is a waterway. 

After a rain, trash will travel the waterways and make way to our creeks, to our rivers, to the Chesapeake Bay and then ultimately to the ocean where currents will further carry them to one of the 5 Ocean Garbage Patches. It is estimated that by 2050 the oceans will have more plastic than fish. Here you can find a short video about ocean garbage patches. 

So What Else has remained committed to performing trash clean-ups during all of our programs with the amazing youth that we serve. Encouraging environmental stewardship is a big part of our mission.

Now, we are calling to action our community in an effort to increase the efforts of ocean trash prevention. Together we can all be stewards on this sacred earth. Will you come pick up trash with us?

We will be partnering with Montgomery County Parks for community trash pick ups on the following dates: 

(Please note that pickups are scheduled on either non-school days or half days.) 

Locations are TBD as park rangers will let us know which parks have the highest need for ground trash removal each month.

Please email swevolunteer@gmail.com to sign up and get the location details!