March was an interesting beach trash month. We had weather (who didn’t) Did not pick up trash from the beach on 7 days and Spring Break started. When comparing March of 2018 withe March of 2019, it looks like beach trash had decreased. In reality, I think it has increased on the beach. Last year, I was focussed on cleaning the 2 block Belmont Park, which included a parking lot. Cups, plates and other trash, plus bottles added much into the overall mix. Just to pick up trash in that 2 block areas of Belmont Park, including parking lot, picnic, boardwalk and beach is about 4 hours, just in time alone, you are going to pick up more trash.
Since my beach clean starts when still dark (4 am), I miss many small pieces, such as bottle caps, small plastic bits, foam, small toys etc, probably another reason that the count is lower.
The other issue is weather and lost data in both years. Of note, is that is this year, I am focussing on the Big Stuff. More Textiles, whereas in the past, have had to leave them behind, due to weight and space. There is nothing heavier than a wet, sandy towel or blanket
March of 2019 was not a great beach weather month, which did not stop the STRV’s (short term vacation rentals) from flooding into our town and going to the beach.
In comparing Year over Year, there is definitely a correlation between drinking and beach trash, millennials and beach trash and Short Term Vacation Rentals and beach trash.