Tired of Trash? Join Our Beach and Park Cleanup in Santa Ana

Every year, members of AMC and their families throughout California come together for our beach and park cleanup. It’s a wonderful chance to unite in service of our beautiful coastline and serve the landscapes we love.

On July 25, join us for our beach and park cleanup in Santa Ana. We may not be able to join physically, but we can join in spirit to make a difference. Here are the benefits of a beach and park cleanup, how to prepare, and how to stay safe.

The Benefits of a Beach and Park Cleanup

Has quarantine driven you stir-crazy? Our beach and park cleanup in Santa Ana is the perfect way to relieve the mental and emotional tension that’s been building up. According to one study examining treatments for depression, researchers found that beach activities provide mental relief. Even better, beach cleanups have the added benefit of “higher marine awareness.” Not only do you feel better after cleaning a beach, but you become a more conscientious member of society as well.

For a more altruistic reason to clean your beach or park, consider the wildlife that is negatively affected by the trash heaped on the sand or grass. Or consider your neighbors and local businesses. According to the Marine Debris Program , “Reducing marine debris even by 25 percent at beaches in and near Orange County could benefit residents roughly $32 million during three months in the summer.” So you won’t just be doing the birds and fish a favor, but your nearby mom-and-pop shop as well!

Getting Ready for Your Cleanup

A beach and park cleanup isn’t something you should rush into. Make sure to gather the necessary supplies before hopping into the car. At the top of your list should be a full, reusable water bottle and plenty of sunscreen. Besides that, pack the following supplies :

Staying Safe

Beach and park safety is about more than applying sunscreen and avoiding broken glass. Make sure to follow CDC guidelines to fight the spread of COVID-19. Keep your group small—ideally, just those you live with. If others come, though, “minimize gestures that promote close contact. For example, don’t shake hands, do elbow bumps, or give hugs. Instead wave and verbally greet them.” And in keeping with California’s mask mandate , wear your mask “when maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet from persons who are not members of the same household or residence is not feasible.”

Our beaches and parks add so much to our state’s beauty. Let’s ensure they stay that way. Join us for our beach and park cleanup on July 25, or anytime during the month of July. Tag Villa Del Sol in your photos and use the hashtags #AMCcleanup and #livehappy so we can see all you’ve done. We’ll see you out there!