Coastal cleanup efforts underway in Washington and Oregon

Community-led environmental initiatives are targeting coastal waste through various cleanup efforts. In West Seattle, nearly 40 volunteers participated in the Puget Soundkeeper annual Sound Sweep Series as part of the International Coastal Cleanup. The event, held at Alki Beach and Myrtle Edwards Park, resulted in the removal of 247 pounds of trash, including construction materials, Styrofoam, fishing line, and cigarette butts. Volunteers also engaged in community science by recording data on collected items to inform future environmental legislation.

In Oregon, the Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS has scheduled a fall beach cleanup for September 19th. The event will cover the coastline from Cape Lookout State Park to Cape Meares. Organized in partnership with the non-profit SOLVE, the cleanup aims to restore local beaches following the summer season.