The Suncoast Surfrider Foundation hit the beaches this past weekend to partake in an early morning beach cleanup at Archibald Park on Madeira beach. Fifteen members participated in the cleanup following a morning caffeine boost donated by Starbucks. The cleanup was motivated by the Rise Above Plastics Campaign. With the large concern for plastic use, the event itself was plastic-free; cloth bags were used to hold the trash and reusable water bottles and coffee mugs were also used throughout the event. Ending the cleanup was a raffle for two Ray’s tickets.
Following the cleanup was the construction of our 7 foot tall plastic wave. Twenty members gathered sorting plastic water bottles, sawing PVC pipes and talking waves. The chapter provided volunteers with an assortment of food, water and music to keep the momentum going. After four hours and 500 plastic bottles, our wave was constructed. Congratulations to Tammi for winning the Jack Johnson ticket raffle!
The concept of the wave was a product of passion, creativity and commitment to the Surfrider Foundation. The goal of the RAP campaign is to instill in others the same passion and creativity in hopes that the community can join together to protect our beaches and oceans by limiting their consumption of single use plastics. The wave represents each individual pledge to rise above plastic use. Collectively, everyone’s written pledge will be on a piece of blue paper, which will transform a clear, dull plastic wave into a vibrant blue wave. The message here is that each individual can make a difference; even on a larger scale.
Jessica's write up in Creative Loafing can be seen here.
