The world produces nearly 420 million tons of plastic every year — that’s the mass of two-thirds of the entire human population. And most of it is is single-use plastics, which break into smaller pieces and get just about everywhere. Plastic particles has been found everywhere from craft beer and table salt to the Arctic’s air and baby fish (who sometimes end up eating plastic as their first-ever meal).
That’s why we’re inviting our community to monthly beach cleanups! We’re partnering with Northwest Straits Surfrider to clean a different spot of Bellingham and Whatcom County’s wonderful beaches each month. Each cleanup can usually stop 100-300+ pounds of trash from going back into the ocean and degrading marine habitat. You are a critical part of that. All ages are welcome.
Here is a half-page flier with all our 2022 cleanups that you can print and stick on your refrigerator or bulletin board! Have questions? Reach out to Destiny, our Community Engagement Specialist at DestinyD@re-sources.org.
2022 beach cleanups in Bellingham and Whatcom County
January 4 (Tues.): 10am–12pm, Maritime Heritage Park, Bellingham
Theme: Happy New Year!
February 14 (Mon.): 10am–12pm, parking lot near 1000 Hilton Ave (I & J Waterway, Bellingham).
Theme: Love your oceans
March 22 (Tues.) 12–2pm: Locust Beach, 3199 Locust Ave, Bellingham
Theme: World Water Day!
April 22 (Fri.): 12–2pm, Birch Bay State Park. Meet across street from BP Heron Center
Theme: Earth Day & Community Science month
May 8 (Sun.): 3–5pm, Larrabee State Park. Meet at amphitheater, have a Discover Pass!
Theme: Mother’s Day
June 8 (Wed.): 4–6pm, 9261 Semiahmoo Pkwy, Blaine
Theme: Orca month & World Oceans Day
July 5 (Tues.): 10am–12pm, Cherry Pt. Aquatic Reserve, 4601-4609 Gulf Rd, Ferndale
Theme: Post-4th of July cleanups
August 11 (Thur.): 4–6pm, Whatcom Falls Park, Silver Beach Rd entrance. Meet at trailhead next to hatchery
Theme: Stormwater & pollution prevention
September 17 (Sat.): 10am–12pm, Locust Beach, 3199 Locust Ave, Bellingham
Theme: International Coastal Cleanup
October 15 (Sun.): 12–2pm, Lake Padden, east entrance. Meet at picnic shelters by basketball court
Theme: Clean Water Act 50th anniversary
November 25 (Fri.): 10am–12pm, Little Squalicum Beach. Meet at Park Trailhead, 640 Marine Dr.
Theme: Giving Tuesday
December 10 (Sat.): 2–4pm, Maritime Heritage Park, Bellingham
Theme: Celebrate 2022!