On September 15, 2018, over 35,558 lbs of trash was collected from California beaches in honor of Coastal Cleanup Day – that’s about the weight of three adult killer whales!  The California Coastal Commission hosts a Coastal Cleanup Day event every year to help clean up different beaches across California. This year’s event attracted over 12,560 volunteers. Grades of Green students and supporters joined in on the action at Dockweiler Beach organized by our friends at Heal the Bay.




Grades of Green volunteers mobilized and spent the morning filling up buckets with trash found at the beach. The usual suspects – cigarette butts, plastic straws, and food wrappers – were all tallied up and collected by volunteers. Similarly, polystyrene pieces, the tiny culprits from foam cups and containers, were found all along the shores of our beautiful beaches. Although it was disheartening to find so much trash in our beaches, we are grateful that so many Grades of Green and other volunteers were inspired to come out and help restore 54 miles of beaches to their natural beauty. Here’s what volunteers at the Dockweiler site location accomplished:

  • 500 volunteers recruited
  • 199 bags of trash collected
  • 530 pounds of trash removed from Dockweiler Beach

    • Grades of Green volunteers were thanked for their hard work with reusable bottles that were donated by Klean Kanteen.




    Are you interested in taking a stand against waste? Email info@gradesofgreen.org for more information on how you can join our Waste Campaign, a global competition to research local waste issues, develop solutions, and share the solution with your community! The Waste Campaign will kick off January 2019. Email us today to save your spot!

    Although much of California has seen relief from its years of drought, much of the state’s rainfall also increases its urban runoff which can negatively impact water quality at beaches. Many Californians know not to go to the beach after a rainstorm due to the increased levels of bacteria and other contaminants which can cause skin rashes, gastrointestinal illnesses, hepatitis, and more – not to mention the increased levels of straws, plastics, and other trash!




    Want to help protect California’s coast? Whether you’re an individual or a corporation with enthusiastic employees, join Grades of Green at Dockweiler Beach on Saturday, September 16th for Coastal Cleanup Day – a day where thousands of Californians will volunteer to clean their waterways and help protect the ocean! All participants are invited to pack a trash-free lunch and stay after the event to get to know Grades of Green staff, students, and other supporters. Don’t forget your reusable water bottle and sunglasses!

    Date & time: Saturday, September 16 | 9am – 12pm


    Location: Tower 54 | 11999 Vista Del Mar @ Imperial Hwy, Playa Del Rey, 90293

    RSVP: For more information or to RSVP, please contact Jei Florentino at jflorentino@gradesofgreen.org or call (310) 607-0175. You can also RSVP on our Facebook event page!