This year marks the 40th anniversary of the International Coastal Cleanup — the world’s largest volunteer effort to protect our ocean and waterways. Since 1986, more than 18 million volunteers have collected over 380 million pounds of trash from beaches and coastlines worldwide. That’s proof of the incredible impact people can make when they come together with a shared purpose.
Here on the Crystal Coast, Surfrider Bogue Banks is proud to be part of this global movement. Our beach cleanups bring the community together to remove harmful debris and protect the health of our coast.
“Every cleanup is a reminder that our individual actions matter. When we pick up trash together, we’re not just protecting wildlife and keeping our beaches beautiful, we’re showing what’s possible when a community comes together for the ocean.”
— Kari Bryant, Volunteer Coordinator, Bogue Banks Chapter
Why Cleanups Matter
Marine debris is more than an eyesore. Plastic pollution endangers wildlife, damages habitats, and impacts the health of our ocean. By coming together for cleanups, our community takes direct action to defend the places we love — while sparking bigger conversations about reducing waste and protecting our beaches for generations to come.
Most items found in Bogue Banks Chapter cleanups are single-use plastics, everyday items, including food wrappers, plastic bottles, straws and cigarette butts. The summer (tourist) season is a particularly hard time for our beaches.
What to Expect at a Cleanup
Buckets and gloves are provided, along with a community of ocean lovers of all ages. In just a few hours, hundreds of pounds of debris can be removed, preventing it from harming sea turtles, birds, and fish. The work is hands-on, rewarding, and a chance to connect with others who share the same passion for the coast.
Cleanups aren’t only about what’s collected — they’re about building a culture of care. They remind us that small actions add up, and when a community comes together, we can make meaningful change.
Cleanups are a great way to meet like-minded people and even new friends. The Bogue Banks volunteers are a great group of people and we encourage folks to come out and join the fun!
Join Us at Our Next Cleanup
The best way to get started is simply to show up. Bring a friend, grab a bucket, and be part of the solution. Join us at our next beach cleanup and see firsthand how powerful a community can be when it comes together to protect the places we love.
If the ocean has ever inspired you, now is the time to give back. Join us at a cleanup, or consider stepping into a leadership role to help keep our beaches healthy, accessible, and beautiful.
Take the Lead - Become a Beach Guardian!
The Bogue Banks Chapter is looking for passionate, engaged leaders to join our Beach Guardians program and help expand these efforts by leading monthly beach cleanups in Atlantic Beach and across other Crystal Coast beaches. Surfrider will provide support, supplies, a Surfrider t-shirt and promotion — all that’s needed are people ready to step forward and guide their community.
If you’re interested, please email vicechair@boguebanks.surfrider.org or go to boguebanks.surfrider.org/beach-guardians.