Cities across the globe will celebrate Coastal Cleanup Day Sept. 19, and South Florida is not staying behind.

Why it’s important to cleanup the shore? The list of reasons could be endless.

Think of all the plastic bags, bottles and other garbage that end up in the ocean every year (read this if you haven’t heard about the Pacific Garbage Patch), or the chemicals that our garbage releases into the water (which by the way come back to us in the fish we eat) or the harm we cause to the ecosystem when animals confuse trash for food and end up intoxicating if not choking on it.

Oceans already receive enough mercury from the coal and other industries, which has become a worldwide concern, and the leftovers from someone’s day at the beach shouldn’t add to it.

Remember how Florida advertises having the longest shoreline in the nation? Let’s keep it clean. On Sept. 19, do your (future) children and grandchildren a favor and come out to help cleanup our beautiful shore.

Here are some of the organizations that will be doing cleanups that day. I’ll update the list as I hear from more organizations. Do you know of other organizations planning a cleanup? I’d love to read your comments.

MIAMI:

Miami-Dade Coastal Cleanup:It will have volunteers in more than 30 locations across the County. Registration is required. Check here for a location close to you. As if helping save the marine life weren’t enough, there will be an after party for volunteers at the Miami Seaquarium.
Visit www.miamidadecoastalcleanup.org for more information.

Environmental Coalition of Miami Beach: In addition to their monthly Monument Island cleanups, on Sept. 19, ECOMB is also having a cleanup of Teacher’s Island. Kayaks will be available at no cost for the Monument Island cleanup, which will add to the fun. You need to register no later than 48 hours before the event.Visit www.ecomb.org for more information.

Friends of Virginia Key: Friends of Virginia Key can help clean up the Key at three locations: Hobie Beach, Windsurfer Beach and Marine Stadium. After the cleanup, join Friends of Virginia Key and other groups in an alternate BYOS (bring your own sandwich) mixer at the Virginia Key Beach Park picnic area. Visit: www.virginiakeybeachpark.net for more information.

BROWARD:

Broward County Biological Resources Division: Volunteers will help cleanup coastal areas throughout the county. Pre-registration necessary. For more information visit www.broward.org/bio/coastalcleanup_announcement.htm.

PALM BEACH:

Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful Inc.: Volunteers will clean sites from Boca Raton to Tequesta and will receive free t-shirts (while supplies last) to commemorate the event and their efforts. For more info visit www.keeppbcbeautiful.org/fcc2009.htm.

Photo by Rene Ehrhardt