What's Wrong With This Picture?

MARTIN COUNTY, FL - Six people enjoying a lovely summer evening.....amidst piles of trash! It is a vivid reminder of a problem that is all around us, but often goes unnoticed. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives we stop seeing the litter, and are even the cause of it. Tragically, litter winds up floating in our waterways, ultimately harming our marine wildlife after being mistaken for food.

The key is thateveryone can make a difference. This year, over 400,000 people from more than 90 nations throughout the world will come together on September 20 th to be a part of the International Coastal Cleanup. Locally, Keep Martin Beautiful is rallying more than 1,500 volunteers representing over 50 different teams who will join forces to clean up shores, rivers, beaches and other waterways. "It's the volunteer participation that makes it all happen - boaters, divers and fishermen combining forces with everyone on land," said Butch Olson, Co-Chair of the event and President of the Port Salerno Commercial Fishing Dock Authority. "Knowing you're out there with thousands of people all over the world, tangibly making a difference together, it is truly an amazing feeling."

Now in its 13th year through Keep Martin Beautiful, the Coastal Cleanup increases public awareness about inappropriate waste management practices on Florida's coast. It has convinced many individuals, organizations, and communities to examine their policies and become better stewards of our environment. Participating teams include civic groups, businesses, families, county and city personnel, and community activists.

"Working in Marine Law Enforcement, I see the negative impacts of waste on our waterways. Human fingerprints are on every piece of trash we find in the ocean, so responsible prevention of these activities is the crucial component, and not just during cleanups but year-round, too," explained Sgt. Bruce Newbold, of the Martin County Sheriff's Office and Co-Chair of the Cleanup. "One of the goals of the International Coastal Cleanup is changing human behavior, which is vital to solving pollution problems that plague the world's oceans and waterways."

On September 20 th from 8 am to noon, Keep Martin Beautiful is organizing local participation in the International Coastal Cleanup, with a volunteer celebration event at Flagler Park in downtown Stuart directly after the cleanup. Volunteers will be provided with cleanup supplies as well as a complimentary t-shirt, while supplies last. For more information or to register, call 772-781-1222 or email info@keepmartinbeautiful.org. To view images of the 2007 Coastal Cleanup, go to www.keepmartinbeautiful.org.