A Beach-Goer’s
Etiquette Guide
for a Clean Ocean
For more than 30 years, Clean Ocean Action (COA) has been a leading
state and regional voice, working to protect waterways through science,
law, research, education and citizen action.
Numerous programs include the spring and fall Beach Sweeps, classroom
educational programs, the weekly monitoring of contaminants in
the Shrewsbury and Navesink rivers, and the Rally for the Two Rivers, to
name a few. COA and its thousands of volunteers love and respect the vital
waterways and the Atlantic Ocean, and they have lots of good advice on
keeping them healthy for all to enjoy. Before you or a guest heads out for
a day of sunny fun, get to know these valuable tips for beach etiquette.
Everyone knows their preferences for enjoying a day at the beach
– where to sit, what to bring, what to wear, and the toys and tools needed
for some beachy fun. While you are enjoying your beach day – from
snacking, drinking and playing – it is important to use “clean beach etiquette”
to respect coastal wildlife and other beachgoers, leaving only
footprints in the sand.
Unsightly trash and litter can ruin a day at the beach for beachgoers
and are harmful or lethal to wildlife. People are a source of litter and
ocean pollution, but they are also the solution! Here are 10 beach etiquette
tips to be a friend of the ocean and shore:
Leave Only Footprints in the Sand
Use garbage and recycling receptacles or bring home what you bring to
the beach (carry in, carry out) and dispose properly. Bring a bucket to the
beach to build sandcastles, and at the end of the day, collect litter for
trash or to recycle.
The Beach is Not an Ashtray
your pocket. Dispose of wrapping, packaging, lighters, cigar tips and electronic
cigarette parts in the trash.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Refuse
The four Rs of sustainability. Reduce your purchase and consumption of
single-use disposable plastics such as bags, water bottles, utensils, cups
and straws. Buy reusable or recyclable products. Further, refuse single-use
plastic items, such as a straw or to-go container, to eliminate waste and
harm to the environment.
Shop Smart and Be Plastic Savvy
There are many different types of alternatives to plastics, but not all
of them are as green and sustainable as you might think. Be wary of
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“bio-degradable” or “compostable” plastics. Though scientists are working
hard, true environmentally safe options are not commercially available.
Plastics marked #1 and #2 in the “chasing arrows triangle symbol”
on the product are the most common recyclable type of plastic.
Be Responsible
Avoid bringing disposable items, especially plastic, to the beach. Lightweight
plastics can easily be blown away by breezes which can go onto
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ment and ingestion. If you see an animal entangled, injured or in danger,
contact a lifeguard, local health department or wildlife refuge center.
Watch What You’re 'Du-ne'
Dunes and grasses protect inland areas from wind and wave action and
help preserve the shore. Dunes provide habitat for birds and animals.
Don’t walk in the dunes.
Look, Listen and Learn
Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not frighten or disturb beach critters.
Beachcomb for shells, listen for birdcalls and look for plants. Identify
Scoop the Poop
Bring a bag or newspaper to clean up after your pets; it is the law. Flush
the waste (not the bag or newspaper) down the toilet or place in the trash.
Carpool, Walk, Bike or Use Mass Transit
Travel smarter to the beach to reduce air pollution and improve air quality.
Turn off your car if idling for more than 30 seconds; this will conserve
fuel, save money and reduce pollution.
Report Pollution
Report any unusual conditions (garbage slicks, brown or red colored
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ment, the police or the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
hotline at 1-877-WARN-DEP, and contact COA.
For more information and Clean Ocean Action’s
complete 10 Tip Series, visit the “Education Programs”
link at CleanOceanAction.org.
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