Around the world, people look forward to spending time relaxing and playing at local beaches. Sadly, more than 8 million metric tons of plastic finds its way into the ocean every year. As a Bellflower resident, you can do something about it. Here at AMC, our staff and their families look forward to our annual cleanup of beaches and parks. While COVID-19 precautions restrict large groups from assembling, you can still put together a small party of volunteers to help on Saturday, July 25.
Participating in this cleanup event can make an impact on Southern California parks and beaches. By understanding the cleanup benefits, creating a plan, and keeping safe, you can contribute to a rewarding, family-friendly activity.
Benefits of Cleaning Beaches and Parks
When it comes to spending quality time with family and friends, few adventures beat a day at the beach or the park. The smell of freshly mowed lawns and the cool shade of swaying trees makes a trip to the park perfect for playing catch, taking the dog for a walk, or having a picnic. Meanwhile, dipping your toes into warm sand, cooling off in the surf, and people-watching at the beach is always a rewarding experience.
Create a safe environment for wildlife and boost the economy by volunteering to remove garbage from John S. Simms Park or Hermosa Beach. As Bellflower residents, we’re lucky to live so close to places like Seal Beach; committing to return a few hours of service every year sounds like a good exchange for years of good times in the sun.
Planning Ahead
After you mark July 25 on your calendar, invite some close friends or family members to join you on your cleanup quest. Next, make a simple list of items that you’ll require to clean up your beach or park of choice. Here are some suggestions:
- Facemask
- Work gloves
- Trash bags
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Snacks
- Reusable water bottle
Safety First
It is essential to keep your group small to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Be sure you and your friends wear facemasks in public and stick to the CDC guidelines: “When guests arrive, minimize gestures that promote close contact. For example, don’t shake hands, do elbow bumps, or give hugs. Instead, wave and verbally greet them.”
Living in Bellflower means you have access to breath-taking beaches and parks. By uniting in spirit for this cleanup, we can all play a critical role in making the beaches and parks a clean and enjoyable destination. Be sure to tag Sherwood in your photos and use the hashtags #AMCcleanup and #livehappy, and we’ll “see” you there!