Last weekend marked the 25th anniversary of the International Coastal Cleanup, where volunteers from all over the World gather in their local communities and help clean waterways, parks, roadsides and, of course, coastal areas.

ClassB was proud to have been able to participate in the event this year, collecting trash, litter and debris from our local community. We all had a really fun time and look forward to joining in next year as well.

One thing that we recognized immediately at the event was that there were tons of youth organizations and younger folks who were not only participating, but taking charge and going above and beyond anything that was expected. This included 4-H Clubs all over Florida, and we’re sure all over the United States as well.

If you missed it this year, or you were not aware of the event, this is certainly one that you will want to mark on your calendar for next year. It is usually held on the third Saturday of September, but make sure to double-check, and contact your local Coastal Cleanup Organizer or County Office as the time approaches.

We hope to see you all next year!

If you want to read more about our day at the Cleanup, or learn more about the event, take a look at this post -> ClassB 2010 Coastal Cleanup.

We live in a fragile environment. Keeping our neighborhoods clean is one of the best ways that we can help our communities prosper and continue to be wonderful places to work and play. And keeping the oceans and waterways clean also provides a safe haven for our local marine life, and creates a much better, cleaner world for all of us.

On Saturday, ClassB employees gathered with other volunteers in our local community to participate in the 2010 International Coastal Cleanup, a worldwide event held annually since 1988. The goal of the event is to get together as many volunteers as possible to help clean up the coastal areas, lakes, rivers, streams, school grounds, parks and roadways in their local areas. The cleanup is usually followed by food, fun, celebration and an inspiring sense of pride, knowing you accomplished a special goal.

We’d also like to point out that there were several Boy Scout, Girl Scout, Cub Scout and 4-H volunteer groups helping out all over our county, across America and around the World. Great job to all of you!

Last year, during the 2009 cleanup, approximately 500,000 volunteers removed 7.4 million pounds of debris, in 108 countries, 45 U.S. States and the District of Columbia. This year, the turnout was expected to be even greater – but we’ll have to wait for that data to come in.

This was the first year that ClassB has been involved in our local Coastal Cleanup and we plan on participating for many more years to come. We are both proud and honored to be a part of such an amazing gathering of people all over the World, working for one common goal.

To learn more about Coastal Cleanup, and how you can join in next time, visit their website at http://www.oceanconservancy.org.

If you’ve ever participated in Coastal Cleanup, or you have any questions about it, please leave a comment below!