Miami’s enormous stretch of beach – 35 miles to be precise – is a source of joy for locals and tourists alike.
Drawing in thousands upon thousands each day, the number one Miami attraction is about to hit an extremely busy period as the masses flood in for the big 2020 events. [Main Image: MF Evelyn, Unsplash].
But, this fruitful period comes at a price for the beachfront’s surrounding nature. Even a regular weekend will see dozens of plastic bottles, wrappers, and general waste scattered. This risk posed to not just the beaches aesthetic, but the vulnerable wildlife in the sand and ocean has seen locals take matters into their own hands.
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Beach cleanups occur all year round at the likes of South and Miami Beach. However, numbers tend to vary while the demand remains substantial, with many also not hearing about the movement. The first mass cleanup of 2020 was on January 14, with a number of locals putting the word out on Facebook.
While the help was appreciated, locals realize the effort must be kept up for the whole year and beyond. If past years are anything to go by, we know that once the festival season is under-way, the demand to protect the wildlife will shoot up.
When and How Can You Join the Mass Cleanups?
Social Media
Cleanups are frequently advertised on social media, so it’s best to keep an eye on Facebook to know when people are heading down. A good group where many are advertised can be found at Clean Up Miami Beach. An event on February 8 has been advertised where attendees at North Beach from 10am-12pm are offered free refreshments!
There are also plenty of local initiatives that advertise cleanups and other events, such as Plastic Free Florida.
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Along with social media posts, there are websites that run full lists of clean up initiatives happening all year round. An extensive list, with the ability to search around your chosen area, can be found here at Volunteer Cleanup.
The Miami Surfrider Foundation also hosts a calendar of events all year round, including a “Booze + Brunch + Beach Cleanup”, on February 16 and March 14.
More Upcoming Dates
- January 25 – Yoga and Beach Cleanup, Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, 9.15am – 11.30am.
- January 26 – Rickenbacker Beach Cleanup, Rickenbacker Causey, 10am – 12.30pm.
- January 28 – Beach Huddle Cleanup, Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, 3pm – 6pm.
- February 25 – Dania Beach Cleanup, Dania Beach, 2pm – 5pm.
- April 18 – Baynanza Beach Cleanup, Biscayne Bay, time TBC.
Key Dates Where Waste Levels Will Be High
- Super Bowl Weekend – Jan 31-Feb 3.
- South Beach Food and Wine Festival – Feb 20-24.
- Spring Break – Mar 5 – Mar 22.
- Miami Beach Pride – Mar 28-April 5.
- Tortuga Music Festival – April 17-19.