It has been a long time since I posted anything on this site. I have been so devastated by Trump’s actions that I went into a state of non-action. Plus I was angered by the lack of consideration for our natural resources. The litter and the trash was so disgusting, I was beginning to hate beach goers! I had to stop blogging and get my head back on straight. But I have not stopped picking up beach trash completely. Not as consistent but still over the last year have picked up over 1100 pounds of beach trash according to my Clean Swell App. That is if I record it as I have only recorded 50 cleanups in San Diego. This does not count the 10+ pieces of trash picked up when I walk nor does it include my trash pickups in Mexico.
It is said that there will be more plastic in the ocean that fish by 2050 and the ratio of fish to plastic by 2025 will be 3 to 1, it is scary about what were are doing to our oceans.
September 16 is International Coastal Clean Up Day. This is the one day that each person can do something to help the save our ocean. Just because you don’t live by water, doesn’t mean that you cannot pick up 10 pieces of trash on that day. 80% of ocean trash is from the land.
For those who cannot see themselves picking up trash, I know of 3 people that now make it a goal to pick up 10 pieces of litter a day on their daily walk. What I also find most interesting, is that the ONLY people that have offered to help clean up the beach with me are homeless. Sad isn’t it, a few thank me and when I offer to give them bag… they can’t, their back, they are leaving… every excuse in the book.
That said, I though I would share some of my stats. Please note the amount of plastic being used .
My Total Beach Trash Count as of Today
1013- Cigarett Butts Smoking is not allowed on our beaches. You would think that with less people smoking there would be less cigarettes. I am finding more medical marijuana although.
2079- Food Wrappers- 99% of the food wrappers would be considered junk food. Capri juice bags, Pringles, chips, fast food wrappers, containers of salsa, napkins, plastic and more plastic. Personally, what I love the most is the ‘Organic Food packaging’ buy organic and leave it on the beach!
571- Plastic Containers This comprises of everybody that brings food in Tupperware, rubbermaid and new plastic containers and just leave them. This includes water bottles.
227- Foam Containers, this are the styrofoam containers that are used for takeout. They have banned in places like Santa Monica and should be banned on beaches.
1124- Plastic Bottle Caps This is an estimated 1/10 of what is on the beach.
418- Plastic lids
678- Plastic Straws- Which will be banned in several cities.
577 -Plastic spoons, forks and knives
565- Plastic Bottles
263- Plastic Bags (this is down, since the Plastic Bag law came into play in San Diego)
650- Plastic or styrofoam cups and plates
712- Plastic Toys that are reusable. This does not count the thousands of broken plastic toys. Average Toy intake 50 per day.
3168- Plastic and foam pieces. This is not all, as it is very difficult to pick up and count broken disposable boogie boards.
159- Glass Bottles
423- Beverage Cans (Aluminum)
248- Balloons– which are about to be banned on the beach in several cities.
167- Pieces of fishing gear. After several storms, I actually salvaged the crab pots and resold on Craigslist. They went fast. 
761- Other Packaging, which includes hangers (yes) plastic wrapping, price tags, the net meshing that toys come in, disposable styrofoam coolers, coolers, casing for umbrellas, chairs, tents and the like.
158- Personal Hygiene: this is primarily dirty diapers, but includes Tampax, condoms, chapsticks, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toothpicks, dental floss, syringes, hair products, contact lens solutions, medications, sunscreen, shampoo, combs and makeup. On a summer day in 1/2 mile tide to towel strip, there is an average of 5 dirty diapers just laying on the beach.
2586- Other Trash, which includes shoes, clothing, socks, towels, broken chairs, broken boogie boards, umbrellas, dishes, wet ones which I hate, purses, backpacks, cell phones, yoga mats, exercise equipment and more. I pick up an average of 15 shoes a day!
Now I will tell you, the beaches in Mexico are cleaner only to the extent that when they go to beach, they don’t act like they will never have food and drink again. They cannot afford disposable toys, blankets, umbrellas, boogie boards, towels and such. They take it home. There are more cigarette butts, just as much junk food and plastic bottles and bottle caps. In all fairness, there is not as many people where I am staying outside of Puerta Vallarta.
While I think everyday should be Coastal Cleanup Day, I hope that each of our readers takes a few minutes to pick up litter and trash around their homes or water areas.