September Newsletter

Chapter Meeting – Tuesday September 15

Our monthly chapter meeting will be Tuesday, September 15 virtually over Zoom. All are welcome but you must RSVP prior to the meeting to receive the Zoom code.

Beach Cleanups

Beach cleanups are back. With social distancing guidelines and COVID 19 precautions in place, we are bringing back limited Beach Cleanups. In partnership with Puget Sound Keeper, we will have a local team out for International Costal Cleanup Day, Saturday, September 19. Throughout Washington state, Washington Coast Savers are hosting cleanups at various costal locations. For more information on International Costal Cleanup Day events find out here.

Trashy Hour: On Friday, September 25 from 5-7pm at Golden Gardens we will be hosting our first ever trashy hour beach cleanup. This will be a low-key cleanup, limited to 12 individuals. We will just have a small set up with a Surfrider volunteer sanitized buckets and pickers near the volleyball courts. Please remember to bring your own personal protective equipment, mask, gloves, and even beach clean up supplies if you have it so that we can maintain social distancing guidelines. Also feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy the evening as well. All participants will need to RSVP here.

Happy Birthday Surfrider!

Thirty-six years of the Surfrider Foundation! In the summer of 1984, a group of surfers were concerned about the environmental threats posed by escalating coastal development at their favorite surf break, Surfrider Beach in Malibu, California. Taking action and working with CA state parks system to protect what they love, the Surfrider Foundation was born. Thirty-six years later, the Surfrider Foundation has evolved into one of the largest non-profit grassroots organizations with a volunteer-activist network dedicated to its mission to protect and enjoy the world's oceans, waves and beaches. Today there are 8 2 chapters, including 86 student clubs, and more than 1 million supporters, volunteers and activists fighting over 100 active campaigns around the country.

Reusables and COVID 19

Did you know that is still safe to use reusables? Despite the scare tactics that the Big Plastic industry has been employing during this pandemic, it is still safe to use reusables. Studies have been done showing that soap and hot water kill the COVID 19 virus. In mid-June over 115 scientists, academics, and doctors from 18 countries signed onto a statement reassuring retailers and consumers that reusable systems can be utilized safely during the pandemic by employing basic hygiene and protective measures.

Consider taking some simple steps to continue to actively use reusables during this pandemic. If water and beverage refill stations are allowed continue to use them, just avoid letting your reusable water bottle or cup come in contact with the spigot, same applies for coffee mugs. Don’t forget your reusable bags when going grocery shopping for food and essential goods. If reusable bags are not currently allowed, consider asking for your purchased items to be placed back in your cart so you can bag them yourself in your reusable bag outside the store. Don’t shy away from your local refillary shops – such as Scoop Market Place, Eco Collective, or Public. Many are taking extreme measures to ensure sanitation such as limiting the number of customers at a time, refilling with gloves done by staff, or implementing delivery options.

For more information on making your home ocean friendly check out this Surfrider blog post.

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