On Saturday, September 15, Love Blue Inc.’s Stockton University Chapter hosted a fall beach clean up at Stockton’s Atlantic City Campus Beach, open to both the public and students of Stockton University. Love Blue Inc. provided all the gear needed to help with the cleaning, including gloves, grabbers, and mesh bags to help with the garbage while shifting out the sand. The event lasted only one hour, and each group of students picked up a multitude of trash. There was a turnout of approximately 20 people, and everyone worked in partners, scanning the beach for trash.

Over the years, more and more trash has ended up on beaches and entered the oceans. Millions of sea animals die each year due to dumped garbage, and beach cleanings are essential to bring together the community and remove pollutants from coastal areas. Beach cleanings aid in preserving the natural beauty of the environment: cleanings play a critical role in protecting marine life and the ecosystem, as they prevent the accumulation of harmful debris that affects wildlife and water quality. By maintaining clean beaches, the community not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the area but also contributes to the overall health of our oceans and ensures that beach environments remain safe and enjoyable for visitors.

In the piles of shells along the top of the shore, there would be hidden gems of plastic bottle caps and chip bags. It is devastating to see the coast’s beauty all riddled with trash; therefore, events like these are significant for communities and accessible for student service hours. Love Blue Inc. is a nonprofit organization, and they host many beach clean-ups that fall on Sundays. For students, beach clean-ups are the go-to way to easy hours when you need service hours while going right by the community.

The subsequent cleanings are set for September 22, October 13, and October 27. For more information about these events, visit OspreyHub.