The Mission Beach cleanup numbers in August were a testament to the hard work and dedication to keeping our shores pristine. Over 19 days, one of our volunteers gathered a staggering 8,881 items, highlighting both the scale of pollution and the value of their collective effort. This number does not reflect the amount of trash and reusable items picked by our other volunteers.
Among the usual trash and debris, some interesting finds stood out. One "Jetty Jump" was noted, a reminder of the damaging and risky behavior that regularly occurs at the Jetty.
Volunteers also extinguished 34 illegal fires, another regular occurrence, and a significant safety concern, especially during the dry summer when children and adults are at risk of intense burns.
On the positive side, 12 reusable bottles were collected, reflecting a small but growing commitment to saving reusable items left on the beach.
Some of the more unusual items found included five cell phone accessories, six unopened bottles of liquor, and even $42 in cash. Two wallets were recovered, one of which was successfully returned to its owner. Other discoveries included a shovel, a hammer, and a pair of binoculars.
This month's cleanups removed a significant amount of litter and underscored the importance of continuous community involvement in protecting our beaches. Each item collected is a step toward a cleaner, safer environment for everyone to enjoy.
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