The results of the Fall 2012 Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweep on Poplar Ave in Wildwood NJ is in!

Together, approximately 105 volunteers collected 49 bags of trash, as well as a broken trash can, tarp, and chunks of wood.

Out of 92 categories of trash, 87 different types of trash were found. The top 5 are:
302 straws. 264 plastic pieces. 243 Food/candy wrappers or bags. 235 glass pieces, and 234 caps and lids. In 6th place, following closely, were the 204 beverage/soda bottles found.

We had a sunny and warm fall day, and the team captains were so thankful and excited to see so many volunteers coming out, from the smallest kid to the oldest adult!

Way to make a difference, even if it seems small, it is a difference indeed!

A big thanks to high school students and teachers from Wildwood High school, including peer leaders and ROOTs members, to Cape May Technical High school kids, Wildwood Catholic kids, Girl Scout troops, and everyone else who came out!

Here are some pictures from the day:

(and thank you to all the folks that went to other sites all over New Jersey as well!)

This year, Wildwood’s Poplar Ave had 117 volunteers, who collected 46 bags of trash, and a pile of bulk trash like buckets, wood, and plastic cartons.

The top 5 objects found were: Plastic Pieces- 684, Glass Pieces- 568, Caps and Lids- 430, Straws and Stirrers, 411 and Food/Candy wrappers/bags- 380.

We had volunteers from Comcast, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cape May County Technical School, Wildwood High School, Rowan University, and volunteers from the community, neighborhood, and even as far away as Pennsylvania.

Check it out:

I hope the slow to emerge spring weather is finding all of you well!

I wanted to create some hyper for the next Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweep,  on April 30, 2011 9 am to 12:30 pm. My location of choice is Wildwood, Poplar Ave.  Other sites are available.

The 2010 Annual Beach Sweep report hasn’t been put out yet, but I have some numbers too exciting to keep quiet.

2010 Spring & Fall Beach Sweep Totals:

• 8,372 volunteers at 70 sites (a 51% increase from 2009)
• 475,321 items collected and removed
• 74,636 pounds of debris removed

Now if those kinds of numbers don’t get you excited to come out and participate, I don’t know what will!

I am investigating new and exciting ways to encourage volunteers to come out- including advertising my beach sweep on the TD Bank community sign on Rio Grande Ave in Wildwood.

Today is EARTH HOUR day.

At 8:30 PM on Saturday 26th March 2011, lights will switch off around the globe for Earth Hour and people will commit to actions that go beyond the hour.

Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change. Only a year later and Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries/territories participating. Global landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, CN Tower in Toronto, Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome’s Colosseum, all stood in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour.

So make a difference tonight. At 8:30 turn all your lights out, and have some fun. Play board games or card games by candle light, tell stories, bring out old photos and have a good time.  Tonight, sitting in the dark is a good thing! Think about promoting and hosting Earth Hour in your neighborhood!

Check out Earth Hour’s blog to see what other countries did- you will be amazed. Our Empire State Building, all the way to

Niagra Falls in Canada; Times Square in New York; the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio; Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Big Ben and the London Eye in the UK; the Alhambra in Spain; Eiffel Tower in Paris; Brandenburg Gate, Berlin; Tivoli, Copenhagen; Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe; Kuwait Towers; Milad Tower, Tehran; Davis Station, Antarctica; and of course the Sydney Opera House in Australia.

Today, no matter where you are, you are not alone in your stand for the earth!

from http://shantigeneration.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/earth.jpg

Here is the article Sun by the Sea put out about the fall 2010 beach sweep, with some quotes from this blog and a save the date for April 30! A big thank you to Dorothy for this

Enjoy!

I know it is funny, the Disney Movie Madagascar even made a similar joke when the two characters, both from NY, were angry with each other and one drew and line between them and proclaimed: “You are on the Jersey side of this cess pool!”

But in all reality, I was thinking the other day about the bad image we get, and I wanted to see how many sites are out there for New Jersey Environmental Advocacy.

Apparently…there are quite a few! I found quite a few, like Environment New Jersey and then I came across a very comprehensive list that had many of the ones I already found! The list can be found on the  NJ Environment site, and the following is an edited list:

Alliance for a Living Ocean -
Works to stop ocean dumping and preserve New Jersey Shore water quality.
www.livingocean.org

Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education -
ANJEE provides resources to environmental educators and others with environmental concerns.
www.anjee.net

American Littoral Society -
A membership organization dedicated since 1961 to the protection of all coastal habitats including beaches, estuaries, rivers, wetlands and their wildlife.
www.littoralsociety.org

Association of NJ Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) -
Works with Environmental Commissionss throughout the state to improve the local environment.
www.anjec.org

Association of New Jersey Hazardous Waste Coordinators -
Information about New Jersey county household hazardous waste disposal programs, as well as general hazardous waste related topics. Offers a directory of waste authorities for each New Jersey county. Visit this site for information on where to recycle used motor oil, batteries, pesticides and many other household items.
www.njhazwaste.com

Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River -
Watershed conservation in South Jersey. Check out the education section’s 300 page teacher’s curriculum, which helps teachers to interpret the NJ Delaware Bayshore region.
www.cumauriceriver.org

Clean Ocean Action -
COA is a broad based coalition working to improve and protect the waters off the New Jersey/
New York Coast.
www.cleanoceanaction.org

Clean Ocean and Shore Trust -
COAST is a bipartisan, bistate Legislative Committee for the maximization of the ecological, economic and scenic resources of New Jersey and New York Coastal areas. COAST is involved in dredging, estuary management, and other issues.
www.nynjcoast.org

Clean Water Fund of New Jersey -
CWF in action, research and education ensures safe drinking water, protection of natural resources and public health, pollution prevention, affordable and effective solutions.
www.cleanwaterfund.org

Clearwater of NJ (formerly Monmouth County Friends of Clearwater) -
Clearwater of NJ is concerned with pollution in and around Raritan Bay, the New Jersey coastline in general and Monmounth County.
www.mcclearwater.org

Edison Wetlands Association -
The Edison Wetlands Association is a grassroots organization dedicated to protecting environmentally sensitive areas of central New Jersey through education, action, and public awareness.
www.edisonwetlands.org

Garden State Earth Institute-
The Institute offers nearly free short courses in your choice of location on topics like sustainable living and simplicity. The organization has sister groups throughout the United States who have collectively taught thousands of related courses.
www.gsearthinstitute.org

Green Party of New Jersey -
Check out this site to find out about the Green Party, which candidates they support and what the Greens have been up to lately.
www.gpnj.org

Native Plant Society of New Jersey -
Promotes the appreciation of New Jersey’s native plants.
www.npsnj.org

Nature Conservancy of NJ -
The Nature Conservancy of NJ purchases and protects land that is home to threatened or endangered species.
www.nature.org

New Jersey Academy for Aquatic Sciences -
The New Jersey Academy for Aquatic Sciences is a non-profit organization committed to education, conservation and research.
www.njaquarium.org/index2.html

New Jersey Audubon Society -
Preserves bird habitat and educates NJ residents about conservation.
www.njaudubon.org

NJ Coast Anglers Association -
The JCAA represents the position of marine sport anglers, in matters pertaining to fishing, fisheries, and environmental quality. They often work with environmental organizations and other sport clubs.
www.jcaa.org

New Jersey Conservation Foundation -
Purchases open space for preservation throughout the state.
www.njconservation.org

NJ Department of Environmental Protection -
Assists NJ residents in preserving, sustaining, protecting and enhancing the environment.
www.state.nj.us/dep

NJ Environmental Federation -
Promotes policies to keep toxics out of our waterways and drinking water.
www.cleanwateraction.org/njef

New Jersey Clean Energy Program -
The New Jersey Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) offers the support you need to learn how to implement renewable energy generation technologies and systems. To assist in startup, the program even includes financial incentives to owners who install qualified clean energy generation systems in New Jersey. These systems will enable you or your organization to produce your own renewable electricity – while helping protect the environment and reducing strain on the grid (existing electric transmission and distribution systems).
www.njcep.com

New Jersey Future -
NJ Future is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research and advocacy organization that is dedicated to improving the quality of life in New Jersey.
www.njfuture.org

New Jersey Higher Education Partnership for Sustainability -
The mission of NJ HEPS is to be an agent of transformation so that New Jersey campuses might become models and messengers of sustainability in our society and the world. NJ HEPS sponsors and runs many programs on campuses throughout the state.
www.njheps.org

New Jersey State Mosquito Control Commission -
The commission is responsible for the monitoring of mosquito control activities in the state. It must recommend to the Governor and State Legislature changes in existing laws needed to efficiently carry on mosquito control efforts throughout the state.
www.rci.rutgers.edu/~insects/NJSMCCP.htm

New Jersey Pinelands Commission -
Learn about what makes this part of our state so special. Also, get updates on what issues are being addressed by the commission.
www.state.nj.us/pinelands/

NJ Public Interest Group (PIRG) -
Advocates for consumers and the natural environment.
www.njpirg.org

New Jersey Recreational and Park Association -
NJRPA is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in New Jersey by promoting parks, recreation, conservation and leisure services.
William Foelsch, Executive Director
13 April Ln.
Somerset, NJ 08873
P: (732) 568-1270
F: (732) 568-1274

NJSSI (New Jersey Sustainable State Institute) -
NJSSI is an independent, non-profit institute providing objective information, analysis, and practical strategies to help New Jersey develop on a sustainable path. The Institute, which began operations in June 2002, has been conceived as a neutral, non-political organization, whose information and analyses will be credible to people and organizations approaching policy issues from all perspectives.
www.njssi.net

NJ Water Environment Association -
Educates the scientific community and public on scientific and technical issues relating to the water environment. Operates with a mandate to preserve and enhance the water resources.
www.njwea.org

NJ Water Resources Institute -
njwrri.rutgers.edu

New Jersey Work Environment Council -
The New Jersey Work Environment Council (WEC) advocates for safe, secure jobs and a healthy, sustainable environment. To achieve these goals, WEC is organizing an alliance of working people, unions, environmental and community organizations.
www.njwec.org

New York / New Jersey Trail Conference -
NYNJTC sponsors trail building and open space protection throughout NY and NJ. They also sponsor outings and publish guide books.
www.nynjtc.org

Northeast Sustainable Energy Association -
NESEA is interested in bringing clean electricity, green transportation, and healthy, efficient buildings into everyday use. Sponsors yearly “Tour de Sol” a D.C. to NYC rally of solar, electric, fuel cell and other “green powered” cars. It stops in NJ this April.
www.nesea.org

Palisades Nature Association -
The PNA manages the 2,500 acre palisades preserve which includes trails, recreational facilities and a seasonal museum.
www.njpalisades.org

Partners for Environmental Quality “GreenFaith”-
A faithbased coalition attempting to raise the importance of earth stewardship in the faith community. Also promotes education and activism on sustainability issues.
www.peqnj.org

United States Department of Environmental Protection -
Assists the nation is preserving and protecting the environment.
www.epa.gov

Wetlands Institute -
Through education, research and stewardship, the Wetlands Institute promotes appreciation and understanding of the vital role of wetlands and coastal ecosystems.
www.wetlandsinstitute.org

from:http://billysweet.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/new-jersey-map.gif

According to several articles in the Cape May County Herald,

The city’s “solar bay” project proposes use of the inactive Wildwood landfill in a way that will generate green energy at the same time it provides Wildwood with a new and uniquely-designed multipurpose park.

The initial phase of the project involves sealing the landfill, preparing it for placement of solar panels and partnering with private companies that can take advantage of state and federal solar incentives not available to municipalities.

Solar panels at the new park are expected to provide a generic energy source as well as lighting for various entertainment facilities in the park, such as a small craft launching area, lookouts and nature trails.

The solar bay project holds much promise for sustainable energy, public-private partnerships and green job promotion,” Ferrara said. “According to national data provided, the solar energy system is expected to reduce carbon emissions equivalent to that produced by 699 automobiles per year.”

During the Community Advisory Board Meeting at 7 p.m. today Wed., Feb. 16, Langan Engineering and Environmental Services will present design concepts for the city’s solar bay project.

There will also be a presentation at the Board of Commissioners’ Meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 23.

Despite the fact that the sand on the beach is frozen and I barely leave footprints sometimes, I am still thinking ahead to the spring!

I wanted to put out a Save The Date for the spring Clean Ocean Action Beach clean up- It is scheduled for:  Saturday, April 30, 2011    9 am - 12:30 pm    

Sun by the Sea Newspaper is going to be putting out an article about the Fall 2010 beach sweep, including some quotes from this blog as well! Keep an eye out for the article in the next issue!

Secondly, I found myself attempting to clean my family’s living room the day after Christmas in order to decrease the odds of being asked “What happened here?” by every single relative and friend that stops by. Is it just me or even in the midst of holiday cheer does this inquiry get old?

In my cleaning spree, I was realizing just how much paper and packing materials were going to be recycled, and started to wonder in what other ways I could recycle them myself. I always use tissue paper from gift bags to pack my christmas ornaments, but what else can be done?

I have some answers for you.

A great site, Bag Monster, is a site all about the reusable bag movement and other eco-friendly tips. They suggested these tips: 

LEFTOVER PACKAGING and BOXES:

Let’s start out with the Styrofoam peanuts and bubble wrap that were used to protect that new laptop that was “From: YOU To: YOU.”   We will assume you have resisted the impulse to pop all the blisters in the bubble wrap and have successfully managed to get the peanuts up off the floor. Bubble wrap is easy to save for future packaging AND can be used for insulation on items ranging from house windows to drinking cups. Styrofoam peanuts can be taken back to a UPS or Maiboxes-R-Us-type of store for recycling. Believe it or not, there is a Peanut Hotline, sponsored by The Plastic Loose Fill Council. The telephone number is 1-800- 828-2214, or visit their website by clicking here for more tips on how to recycle those packing peanuts.

LEFTOVER CHRISTMAS WRAPPING:  So Many Ways To Recycle!  Get crafty and create a variety of useful items: 

• Holiday Cards:  Glue pieces of wrapping paper to plain white note cards andyou’ve got yourself a unique greeting to send to family and friends. This is a great project to do with your kids as their Christmas Vacation seems to never end. The cards can also be placed inside of reusable gift bags or attached to presents for one-of-a kind gift tags.
• Drawer Liner:  Take those extra sheets of wrapping paper and line your dresser drawers with them! (No, this tip DID NOT come from Martha Stewart!)
• Packing Wrap:  Use instead of newspaper for your holiday Christmas tree ornaments as they are put away for another year.  Moving soon? Gift wrap works just as well as newspaper to keep fragile items safe during the move.
• Shredding: Use in place of packing peanuts, when you’re shipping items. Use in place of tissue paper when you use reusable gift bags
• Save Until Next Year: To ensure your wrapping paper will survive until next holiday season, roll small pieces and slide them INSIDE the wrapping tube.
   

GREETING CARDS YOU’VE RECEIVED:

One of the best uses for those accumulated greeting cards is to donate them to a non-profit.  St. Jude’s Children’s Ranch has a program which recycles old cards into new, then sells them to help fund their kids’ programs. For more information and complete details click here  for the St. Jude Children’s Ranch Card Recycling Program

THE TREE:

No matter where you live, there will most likely be curbside pick-up for recycling.  Most areas will collect trees during their regular pickup schedules on the 2 weeks following Christmas. There are often requirements for size, removing ornaments, flocking, etc. Check with your local waste-management company for details. One of the most informative and helpful tree-disposal websites we’ve found is: Pickyourownchristmastree.org.  Click here for a multitude of GREAT disposal ideas.

Wildwood Crest has used recycled Christmas trees to build a support structure for sand dunes on their beaches, I have planted dune grass on top of said sand dunes. So if you have a real Christmas tree, ensure it lives on in a useful way! A simple way to find out what you can do with your tree is to call your municipality and ask the recycling department, or check your town’s website. If your town doesn’t offer anything, check a neighboring town!

I also want to mention, it isn’t all about suddenly jumping into having a totally green pre and post Christmas. That is way too much stress and weight on your shoulders for one already possibly stressful holiday season! It is more about learning a little more every year about how to be green and eco-friendly at Christmas, and intigrating little things into your family’s Christmas traditions that can really make a difference.  I don’t know about you, but my family is very traditional and predictable at Christmas. We do the same things every year, forever and ever. So if we can work a few good habits into the mix now, years later maybe our familys and children will keep doing the same things.  I am a firm believer in appreciating the little things, and little things can lead to big things.

Have a blessed and wonderful holiday!

(image from Design Bloom)