What's Up? Georgian Bay - August 2024

The Importance of Beach Cleanups

Preserving Our Coastal Treasures

The beach, with its sun-kissed sands and azure waters, is a sanctuary for many. It’s a place to unwind, play, and connect with nature. However, our beloved coastlines, including on Georgian Bay and especially Wasaga Beaches, face an increasingly urgent threat: pollution. From plastic debris to discarded fishing gear and cigarette butts, human waste is jeopardizing marine ecosystems and the very beauty we cherish. Beach cleanups play a pivotal role in combating this environmental crisis. Here’s why they are more important than ever:

1. Protecting Marine Life: Marine creatures often mistake plastic for food or become entangled in debris, leading to injury and death. By removing trash from beaches, we directly reduce the risk to wildlife and preserve their habitats.

2. Preserving Natural Beauty: Trash-strewn shores are not only unsightly but deter visitors and harm local economies dependent on tourism. Clean beaches attract more people, benefiting coastal communities and businesses.

3. Preventing Pollution: Plastics in rivers, lakes and oceans break down into microplastics, which infiltrate the food chain and pose health risks to humans. By intercepting waste at the beach, we halt this cycle of contamination.

4. Raising Awareness: Beach cleanups educate the public about the consequences of littering and encourage responsible waste management practices. They foster a sense of environmental stewardship crucial for long-term sustainability.

5. Community Engagement: These events bring together people of all ages and backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. They empower communities to take collective action against environmental degradation. Wasaga Beach Climate Action Team is partnering with Georgian Bay Forever to host Weekly Shoreline Clean-up:

• Wasaga Beach Area 2, Tuesdays from 9:30am to 11:30am

• Collingwood Sunset Point, Tuesdays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm

• Thornbury Little River Park, Thursdays from 9:30am to 11:30am

• Thornbury The Fish Way, bi-weekly Mondays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm

For more info: Visit WBCAT website at https://wasagabeachclimateaction.com/ shoreline-cleanups/

6. Global Impact: While the cleanup effort may seem localized, its effects ripple globally. Clean beaches contribute to cleaner lakes and oceans, benefiting ecosystems worldwide.

In conclusion, beach cleanups are not just about picking up trash; they are about safeguarding our natural heritage and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the pristine beauty of our coastlines. Each piece of litter removed is a step towards a cleaner, healthier planet. So, join hands – or rather, gloves – and make a difference at your next beach cleanup. Together, we can preserve these Georgian Bay coastal treasures for years to come.

LOCAL ACTION PRODUCES GLOBAL IMPACT

Engage with Wasaga Beach Climate Action Team wasagabeachclimateaction.com Info@wasagbeachclimateaction.com

Submitted by Gerard Dusastre