Views of the Neighborhood – Adopt-A-Beach Clean up Day

~ John W. Howell

Yesterday was a statewide Adopt-A-Beach Winter Clean up day sponsored by the Texas Land Office. Here in Port Aransas, the temperature was 40 degrees with an 18 mile an hour wind. Felt more like 34 degrees and spitting rain to boot. There were some brave souls who turned out to pick up litter and small plastic pieces

More than 512,000 volunteers have removed more than 9,495 tons of trash from Texas beaches since 1986. The next statewide cleanup is scheduled for April 20th.

I hope you enjoy the tour.

 

Views of the Neighborhood

A shout out to a sponsor.

The check-in table.

The wonderful people who set up the event and make sure all the volunteers have everything they need. (I know it looks like they are standing in Minnesota)

Nothing like a friendly fire to help keep warm.

A Texas Land Office truck.

Here is a form ready for check-in.

Volunteers get a calendar if they wish.

Some nice patches for your down jacket.

A favorite place that fire.

Someone has built a sand tribute to Jesus. Although a bit random, we see sculptures frequently. The sand becomes an excellent vehicle for expression.

A volunteer hard at work. Notice the raging waters behind him.

More volunteers braving the cold and picking up a bag, data card to record the type of trash, and a pencil.

It is tough to leave the fire but we must.

Here is the score for the day. We think there is a mistake in identifying the crab trap tag as from Tennessee since that is a landlocked state. It might be Louisiana.

Adopt -A -Beach

81 thoughts on “Views of the Neighborhood – Adopt-A-Beach Clean up Day”

  9. This is a great program and kudos to everyone for braving the elements. It’s sad to look at that tally sheet and realize that the bulk of it is the result of careless/selfish human behavior.

    Maybe the crab was on vacation.

    Thanks for being out there and sharing with us, John.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. I’m always amazed by people who are able to create such amazing sand sculptures. I can hardly keep a sand castle together. It’s nice to see such a great turn out despite the weather. Thanks for sharing, John! Enjoy your Sunday.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. John,

    I feel as if we’ve come a long way from those days of “Don’t Be a Litterbug” ads on TV. But when I read this list, I think there is still a long way to go. Is smoking not prohibited on the beach? Not that the people who would litter really care, but just wondering.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. I’m surprised smoking is allowed. When I used to partake, I hated the smoke police. Now it’s an absolute Godsend. I’m still of the opinion you don’t have to be ushered to Siberia in order to partake, but there are certain public domains to which it should be smoke free. Beaches should be one of them, seeing as how they serve as a natural ash tray to those who light up. And when I dig for crabs near the water at dusk, I don’t wanna come up with butts.

        Liked by 1 person

        4. It was Reds to Winston to Reds to Camels to Reds to the light beer whites.

          I don’t think I’d make it through the senate subcommittee investigations. Especially if they uncovered my dalliances with e-cigarettes as well . . .

          Yikes.

          Liked by 1 person

  16. I’m so thankful for all the people who pick.up other peoples trash. It sad at what people leave behind including those toxic cigarettes that a dog could get. Thanks for sharing this.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. It’s amazing the difference one person can make, and when it’s a group, the entire landscape can be transformed. Bravo to everyone who pitched in. Thanks for sharing, John.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Some random pieces there, one shoe? Did Peg-leg make landfall again? 🙂
    Seriously, it’s sad to see those numbers, especially the plastic and cigarette butts. Thank you to everyone who cares for our environment!

    Liked by 1 person

  21. What a fantastic project! It irks me to no end that there is trash on any beach anywhere. If everyone simply picked up their own trash, it would solve everything! Thanks for sharing, John!

    Liked by 1 person

  22. That sounds COLD!! I guess you’re having to share a bit of our nasty weather. Folks here at least are dressed for it — even having a fire on the beach doesn’t take away the sting of a strong wind. Stay inside, my friend!

    Liked by 1 person

  23. I suspect it’s the same for you — when that east wind blows, it can be 50 degrees and still be miserable. It’s good to see so many turned out, despite the weather. It’s amazing how many tons of trash are picked up from all the locations in a year, and a shame that those who deposit it aren’t the ones made to pick it up. I do think I remember reading that someone or some groups are monitoring the ships now — they’re as responsible for trash on the beaches as the landlubbers are.

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Sad that such a group needs to exist (but great that it does). I guess those ads showing turtles and other wildlife strangled by the six-pack rings or with straws up their noses still isn’t enough. People are such pigs.
    One would think there would be designated smoking sections, at least…

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Well done, John. It infuriates me how people leave their trash everywhere. I was noticing trash along the highways in our community yesterday – seems like more than usual, and it’s shameful. Bet that fire felt good!

    Liked by 1 person

  29. A terrific project for your community, John. I am constantly astonished by the amount of trash people throw out of their cars, leave behind at parks, and generally litter whatever space they have. Most of all, I have never understood why so many smokers do not consider their butts to be trash. I’ve even had repairmen put their butts out on my driveway, in my flower beds, and a few times, even in my garage. Good job by Port Aransas citizens.

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