April 19, 2008

New beach debris data

What could be finer than taking a stroll on the beach? Unfortunately, many people leave things behind when they visit the coastline, and our beaches are no exception. Below is the most recent list of South Carolina’s beach debris items that were either left behind, or found washed up on, our beaches.

image displaying the list of the Ocean Conservancy's Top 10 Dangerous Debris Items For 2007

Shoreline/Recreational Activities
Bags 1105
Balloons 100
Beverage Bottles (plastic) 2 liter or less 2258
Beverage Bottles (glass) 2887
Beverage Cans 2588
Caps/Lids 993
Clothing/Shoes 233
Cups, plates, etc. 849
Food Wrappers 2148
Pull Tabs 262
Six-Pack Holders 84
Shotgun Shells 162
Straws/Stirrers 337
Toys 180
Total 14186
Ocean/Waterway Activities
Bait Containers 531
Bleach/Cleaner 19
Buoys/Floats 116
Crab/Lobster/Fish Traps 2
Crates 9
Fishing Line 944
Fishing Lures/Light Sticks 102
Fishing Nets 10
Light Bulbs 9
Oil/Lube Bottles 101
Pallets 11
Plastic Sheeting 76
Rope 200
Strapping Bands 19
Total 2149
Smoking-Related Activities
Cigarettes/Cigarette Filters 4092
Cigarette Lighters 60
Cigar Tips 226
Tobacco Packaging 317
Total 4695
Dumping Activities
Appliances 8
Batteries 74
Building Materials 324
Car/Car Parts 14
55-Gallon Drums 63
Tires 53
Total 536
Medical/Personal Hygiene
Condoms 23
Diapers 51
Syringes 6
Tampons 14
Total 94
GRAND TOTAL 21,660

As environmental awareness becomes a mainstream concept for more and more people, numbers on this list will decrease, but for those that live here and don’t already participate in beach cleanup walks, you too can help; the annual Flagship International Coastal Cleanup for 2008 will be held on Sept. 20. See you there!



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