People come from near + far to enjoy Charleston’s beautiful beaches – so, as fellow Charlestonians, let’s make it a goal to keep them clean. No one wants to sunbathe among trash – and the ocean critters surely don’t appreciate it, either.

According to the Surfrider Foundation, 87,223 pieces of litter have already been collected from our beaches this summer. As residents of the coast, we need to be aware of how we can play a part in keeping the environment healthy.

Dust off your planner and add one of these upcoming local beach cleanups to your schedule:

Special events

Adopt-a-Beach Program | Locations + times vary

Good for businesses, clubs, groups, + more to give back to the community
Can use the MyCoast mobile app to track the amount of trash removed

Folly Cleanup with US Bartender’ Guild | Tues., June 25, 3-5 p.m. | Lowlife Bar

No pre-registration required
Materials provided
Complimentary appetizers + drink specials after

Sea Life Safe Beach Sweep | Thurs., August 15, 6-7 p.m. | Wild Dunes Resort

No pre-registration required
Materials provided
Chat with SC Aquarium representatives
Live music, prizes + more after
Discounted food + drink

Beach Sweep/River Sweep | Sat., Sept. 21 | Locations vary

State-wide initiative
Can choose or create your own location

Weekly events

Isle of Palms Beach Sweeps | Mondays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Coconut Joes

No pre-registration required
Materials provided
Discounted meal afterward
Volunteers asked to stay for at least 30 minutes

Beach Sweeps at Wild Dunes Resort | Saturdays, 7-8 a.m. | Wild Dunes Resort

No pre-registration required
Materials provided
The cleanup is early, so it won’t interfere with the rest of your Saturday

Can’t find anything that works with your schedule? Don’t be shy – you don’t need an invitation to bring a trash bag + gloves to the beach and start picking up litter.

Check out these tips for making sure trash isn’t left behind, provided by the Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew:

📉 Reduce: Eliminate or cut back on packaging you bring to the beach and other marine outings - especially plastic and polystyrene, which pose the biggest environmental threats.

♻️ Reuse: Rely on reusables when you need bottles, cups, coolers, bags, etc.

🎒Pack in - pack out: Some beaches, like Isle of Palms, provide trash and recycling bins, but they can fill up quickly on busy days. If you really want to avoid trash getting into the ecosystem, take it back with you.

🌬️ Watch your stuff: Items like toys, towels, and shoes can also become trash if accidentally left behind or washed out with the tide.

🤝 Pitch in: Pick up trash each time you visit. Trash is trash, even if you’re not the one who left it there. Pick it up!

📝 Record your findings. The South Carolina Aquarium’s Citizen Science App has a tool that allows you to track litter as you find + collect it. That way, you’re helping to make our beaches cleaner and you’re contributing valuable data – which can be used to help generate long-term solutions.

Have other suggestions as to how we can play a part in keeping our beaches beautiful? Let us know in the comments below.