Thousands of volunteers prepare for Earth Week cleanup

SAN DIEGO COUNTY – I Love A Clean San Diego is set to host the 20th anniversary Creek to Bay Cleanup Saturday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the day after Earth Day. The event has become the region’s largest one-day environmental volunteer effort honoring Earth Day. This year, Creek to Bay returns to in-person, group volunteering at nearly 75 sites around the county. Organizers expect over 5,000 volunteers of all ages to participate. Free online registration is available at CreektoBay.org.

“Bringing people together as environmental volunteers is core to what we do at I Love A Clean San Diego and creates the greatest impact at the Creek to Bay Cleanup,” said Lauren Short, the event’s director of community engagement. “We will have designated sites with site captains for people who want the group experience and will provide the close-to-home option for those who wish to volunteer that way.”

In 2021, volunteers reported removing nearly 30,000 pounds of litter from streets, parks, canyons and beaches. This year, ILACSD hopes to see that number jump closer to pre-pandemic levels of 100,000 pounds.

“This is why volunteer registration and data reporting is so important,” said Short. “We report our totals to local, regional, state and national agencies and we want every effort to be counted. We urge all volunteers to register online – it counts.”

On event day, all volunteers will see cleanup totals displayed, in live time, on the Volunteer Impact Map at CreektoBay.org.

North County Bucket Drive

People can donate to ILACSD and receive a reusable bucket and new litter grabber at the North County Bucket Drive Saturday, April 9 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Carlsbad Community Church, 3175 Harding St, Carlsbad, CA 92008. An online donation of $30 before April 9 will generate a receipt for donors to drive thru and pick up their cleanup kit.

Where does marine litter come from?

About 80% of all marine debris begins inland, and all residents of San Diego County live in one of 11 watersheds, which all have their own habitats and lead to local bays and ocean. Litter enters local watersheds and flows out to the Pacific Ocean, becoming a harmful threat to the health of both marine wildlife and people. Single-use plastics are the most dangerous products, which break down into micro-plastics and can be ingested by animals and humans.

Since its inception, Creek to Bay Cleanup volunteers have helped clear over 2.7 million pounds of pollution from communities across the county to protect the region’s natural environment, waterways and the ocean.

ILACSD encourages all volunteers to practice zero-waste habits at Creek to Bay by swapping single-use plastic items for sustainable alternatives.