Summer is coming, and there is nothing better than hitting the beach here in Sarasota. While enjoying the sun, sand, and sea sounds wonderful, keeping Sarasota beaches clean is also important. This helps maintain the beaches’ aesthetic appeal and ensures the safety and well-being of humans and marine life. Let’s see how you can contribute to keeping beaches in Sarasota clean.

Use Eco-Friendly Products

Avoid single-use plastics like plastic water bottles, food wraps, straws, cups, and cutlery. Instead, go for reusable alternatives such as stainless steel bottles and eco-friendly containers like Tupperware for food.If you use nicotine, try to avoid smoking, as cigarette butts can pollute both the beach and the ocean. Smoking also releases smoke into the air. Instead, try opting for nicotine pouches, which are smokeless alternatives to cigarettes.

Respect Marine Life

Many Sarasota beaches are natural habitats for sea animals. The most notable among them is Turtle Beach in Siesta Key, which is known for sea turtle nesting. So, if you're visiting this beach for summer fun, it’s important to respect the marine life there.

Be mindful that beach furniture, such as chairs and umbrellas, are removed to prevent them from becoming obstacles for turtles. Avoid throwing trash, especially plastic items, which turtles can mistake for food.

Pick up and Sort Litter Appropriately

Thanks to their breathtaking view, many beaches in Sarasota, such as Siesta Beach, have become popular tourist destinations, which may result in scattered litter that pollutes beaches. Because of this, always carry a bag with you to collect your trash and store litter that you pick up along the way when you visit these beaches. Once you have picked up all the trash, check that recyclables, garbage, and hazardous waste are sorted and disposed of appropriately in the appropriate waste bins.

Participate in Beach Cleanups

Join or organize local beach cleanups to help maintain clean beaches. For larger cleanups, contact local authorities in advance to arrange for waste collection from an agreed location. Beach cleanups are also an opportunity for you to learn more about preserving beaches and educate others about the importance of proper waste disposal. Through these events, you can also encourage people around you to take up local beach cleanup initiatives.

Where to Find Local Beach Cleanup Events in Sarasota

Here are some organizations that hold beach cleanup events in Sarasota that you can join:

1. Keep Sarasota County Beautiful (KSCB)

KSCB hosts several county-wide cleanup events annually, including the Great American Cleanup, Liberty Litter Cleanup, and the International Coastal Cleanup. You can check their website or contact the Sarasota County Contact Center for upcoming events.

2. Sarasota Bay Watch

Sarasota Bay Watch organizes regular marine debris cleanups at various locations, including Ken Thompson Park and Phillippi Creek. Visit their website for event schedules and details on how to join.

3. City of Sarasota Sustainability Initiatives

The City of Sarasota promotes various cleanup events across the area, including beaches and parks. Follow your local news and city announcements for upcoming events.

4. Sarasota Bay Estuary Program

This program offers many volunteer opportunities for bay restoration and cleanup activities. You can join their email list or follow them on social media for event updates.

By following these guidelines, you can help keep Sarasota's beaches clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.