In part one, I talked about the problem of trash on our local roads, that plastic is not being recycled, and a local trouble spot. 

Part two explains ways you can be involved to combat the trash problem.

Have you noticed trash along roadways? in parking lots? Anywhere it doesn’t belong? Be part of the solution. Once you start picking up trash, I guarantee you’ll notice it a lot more places. I’ve been part of plenty of clean ups, and I always feel better for leaving an area better than I found it.

Recently I was cleaning up a section of Coulbourn Mill Road, and a stranger stopped to help me. Not to worry; it was along a busy road and I’m cautious. But you never know when you might be inspiring someone else. He had cleaned up areas on his own before and said his church had a clean-up planned. There are a lot of people and organizations trying to tackle trash; here are a few of them. 

Wicomico County program. Pick up bags, grabbers and gloves at their office, then let them know when you’re done. It can be done by an individual or a group. Pick a day and have your school group, office, or family beautify an area! https://www.wicomicocounty.org/726/Clean-Up-Wicomico

City of Salisbury program. Parks are suggested in their drop-down menu, but you can add in the location of your choice. https://salisbury.md/cleanuprequest

Restore the Shore. Andy Blizzard and Andrew Duley organize local trash clean ups and highlight anyone’s efforts who work to clean up our beautiful Eastern Shore. https://www.facebook.com/restoretheshoreMD. They also have pages specific to Berlin https://www.facebook.com/groups/895628677772842 and Salisbury https://www.facebook.com/groups/277652354338105.

Duley has seen the effects of pollution on our local waterways, having grown up on the Chesapeake Bay, the Patuxent River and the ocean. “Trash is a significant problem globally and it poses a threat to ecosystems, wildlife and human health,” he explained. “It is important to properly dispose of trash and to reduce waste by using reusable items and reducing consumption.” 

Alpha Phi Omega, national service fraternity, Salisbury University Chapter, Alpha Alpha Delta. They made it their mission two years ago to assist Craig Faunce in his local clean ups. Students gathered to clean up a field and streets recently near where Craig lives since he is out of commission and just this Tuesday, cleaned up around the Newton Community Center in Salisbury.

 The Surfrider Foundation – OC Chapter’s mission is for surfers and non-surfers who care about the oceans. They recently did a beach clean-up and have another one planned in April. Follow their page for details. https://www.facebook.com/surfriderocmd

 Beach Heroes-OC hosts clean ups every Tuesday morning in Ocean City. As with all group cleanups, all supplies are provided. Details here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/569295717454214.

Contact any of the groups listed and help us work toward a cleaner Delmarva. Hope to see you at a clean up event!