While PCS is going ahead strong in trash removal efforts, we cannot do it alone. We are working hard to educate everyone to prevent marine debris and the process begins with you. It is much easier to prevent trash from getting into the rivers, thangetting it out once in the water. Start changing your habits with small steps like avoiding using straws and coffee lids (single use plastics) and making sure your trash bags are tightly closed. While these changes seem small, they add up quickly. The most common pieces of trash found during our cleanups are things like straw, plastic bottles, cigarette butts and plastic eating utensils. This trend can only be changed by individuals like you.

You can take greater charge by being part of Clean Your Streams or another cleanup. If cleanups are “not your thing”, you can donate to help us put on river cleanups, educate the public and leverage local donations into much bigger grants to make a large impact on the Marine Debris issue in your area.

This year, we want all participating groups and teams to pool dimes, nickels, quarters and pennies. Search under sofa cushions! Raid piggy banks! Empty car cupholders! Set out a jar in the office! Bring your Change with you to the Appreciation Picnic AFTER the cleanup. Each group’s collective Change will be weighed and compared to other team’s weights. The group with the heaviest amount of Change wins the Challenge and will receive a Mystery Award!

To get started, check out this flyer and cut off the bottom portion. Use that half sheet to attach to a jar that is set out in the office, passed around at meetings or in the lunch room. Just like every drop counts in our rivers, your change can add up. Take the Challenge, make some change and see how you measure up to other groups at the Clean Your Streams Appreciation Picnic.