nc Big sweep cleanup in onslow county october 12th

This Saturday, October 12th there will be an Onslow County NC Big Sweep event at North Topsail Beach.  Marine debris is a problem that continues to grow.  Our waterways and oceans are constantly polluted with a wide variety of marine debris ranging from polystyrene trays and plastic bags to derelict fishing equipment and abandoned boats.  

Marine life, such as sea turtles and birds have been known to ingest marine debris or become entangled in marine debris, which may lead to injury, intestinal blockage, and death.  Marine debris is an Eastern North Carolina concern not only because of the threats to our native wildlife, but it also washes up on beaches and shorelines degrading the environment, and effecting our local economy and tourism. 

Local cooperation and regional partnership is needed to create public awareness while developing ways to decrease the amount of debris going into the waterways as well as cleaning up the debris found in our waterways and on our shores.  One of the ways that Onslow County creates public awareness while also works to solve the problem is by coordinating local cleanup efforts.  Talking about the issue is great, but getting out and getting our hands dirty and solving the problem is an effort that matters most.   

 

The cleanup “supply pickup station” will be from 9-11am at the North Topsail Beach Town Park (across from Onslow Regional Public Beach Access #4) at the picnic tables near the tennis courts.  Come help us clean the beach, waterways, roadways, and public spaces.  Keep Onslow Beautiful and NC Big Sweep will be providing all the supplies (bags, gloves, instructions, coffee or water (bring a refillable/reusable mug or cup), snacks, sunscreen) and there will be free shirts while supplies last!  We also provide SAT Credit hours for High School Students!!  We encourage all ages to participate with friends and family!

 

The cleanup will last as long as you like.  Here is how it works:  Simply pickup supplies at the “supply pickup station” from 9-11am on Saturday, then pick a spot to cleanup, invite friends and family to help, report data using the Marine Debris tracker phone app or use a data card (provided), recycle any bottles and cans you find, and place other items in the proper receptacle nearest your location.  Feel free to cleanup any public space including a park, beach, marsh/ICW, river or stream, etc.  Cleanups will be taking place all over Onslow County during the month of October.  If you cannot make it on the 12th to pickup supplies, but still want to participate, please contact Lisa_Rider@onslowcountync.gov for more info.

 

For more information, please contact Lisa_Rider@onslowcountync.gov.  Contact for the day of the event will be Lisa Rider at (910) 330.3140.

 

Hope to see you there,