Mobilize 5,000 Volunteers at 200 Cleanups Annually

OBP Create a CleanUp Program Report

4th Quarter 2024 and Annual Highlights

Dear Ocean Blue Project Supporters,  

As 2024 draws to a close, the Ocean Blue Project is delighted to share the final update for this year’s Create a CleanUp Program. This year has been nothing short of remarkable, as we continued to build upon our mission of reducing ocean pollution and fostering community involvement in conservation efforts. Your unwavering support has been at the heart of these accomplishments, and for that, we are truly grateful.  

4th Quarter and Year-End Highlights  

Our incredible team of 23 CleanUp Crew Leaders has brought communities together nationwide, organizing a total of 377 dedicated volunteers across eight of our 15 active states (CA, FL, SC, OR, WA, CO, MA, and ME) for local cleanup efforts. Through their enthusiasm and steadfast commitment, these teams collectively removed an impressive 189,240 pounds of plastic and debris from beaches, rivers, and waterways.  

A significant portion of our overall impact continues to come from our Plastic Disaster Relief Program, which has been instrumental in addressing large-scale debris issues. However, the Create a CleanUp Program remains a cornerstone of our mission, serving as a vital platform for:  

• Community Beautification: Restoring local natural spaces for the enjoyment of all.
• Engagement and Togetherness: Fostering connections among families, students, and groups like All Hands and Hearts committed to the environment.
• Corporate Engagement and Team Bonding: Nurturing corporate social responsibility through team-building cleanups.
• Educational Support: Empowering university and high school student groups, such as those from Southern New Hampshire University, Florida Gulf Coast University, University of California San Diego and Long Beach State sports teams, and Eagle Scouts, among others, to lead efforts in conservation and environmental stewardship.

Special thanks go to the corporate sponsors who have been invaluable in 2024, providing critical resources and funding to support our efforts. These include Earth Breeze, Good Tide, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Colas USA, Ocean Network Express North America, Block 15, Herbal Skin Solutions, and the Rockefeller Global Family Office.  

A Year of Meaningful Impact  

The dedication of our Cleanup Crew Leaders and volunteers allowed us to exceed expectations and deliver measurable results. Together, with your support, Ocean Blue Project has:  

• Removed a total of 2,150,144 pounds of plastic and debris as of December 31, 2024.
• Taken a significant step closer to our ambitious goal of removing 5 million pounds by 2026.

Among the many impactful cleanups, corporate and sponsored groups also played a pivotal role. High-impact efforts ranged from large-scale cleanups to smaller, community-driven events, each making a remarkable contribution to the health of our oceans and waterways.  

Looking ahead, we remain committed to expanding our reach, empowering more communities, and hosting unforgettable and impactful cleanups. Our goal for the coming years is to continue training and reach 200 CleanUp Crew Leaders annually, enabling them to lead approximately 6,000 volunteers each year.  

Thank You for Your Incredible Support  

None of this would be possible without the generosity and belief of supporters like you. Your contributions not only make our goals achievable but also inspire our collective action in protecting our oceans. Together, we are building a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future, one cleanup at a time.  

With deep gratitude and appreciation,  

The Ocean Blue Project Team

Dear Ocean Blue Project Supporters,

As we reflect on this year’s milestones in ocean conservation, we are excited to share highlights from National CleanUp Month this past September. Your continued support has empowered us to organize impactful programs like the “Create a CleanUp” initiative, demonstrating the power of collective effort and community engagement in the fight against ocean pollution.  

September was a month to remember. Across just six cleanups in key states like California, Florida, Oregon, and Colorado, 93 dedicated volunteers joined forces to remove 272 pounds of debris and track 36,886 pieces of trash. Volunteers contributed time and effort at locations ranging from beaches to creeks, bringing tremendous energy and commitment to every event.  

 

Significant moments from September include:  

- Long Beach, CA (Sept 11) - Organized by Katie N and the Women’s Water Polo Team of Long Beach State, 27 participants removed 6,355 pieces of debris.  

- Cannon Beach, OR (Sept 27) - Sponsored by Good Tide, 11 volunteers tracked an estimated 6,973 pieces of debris. Good Tide's CSR Coordinator, Bre M, shared, “The weather was great, and we got to bond as a team while removing trash from the beach. It felt great to make an impact.”  

- Gore Creek, Vail, CO (Sept 28) - A creek cleanup led by Nicholas M. where 1 volunteer removed roughly 6,832 pieces of debris, highlighting how one determined individual can make a significant impact.  

- Long Beach, CA (Sept 30) - Coordinated by Ayano A with Ocean Network Express, *13 volunteers cleared approximately 2,651 pieces. Ayano remarked, “Contributing to the community in which we work reaffirmed the beauty of the beaches and deepened our connection to the area.”  

 

In total, 272 pounds of debris and nearly 37,000 pieces of trash were cleared from waterways and beaches in September, embodying the spirit of National CleanUp Month and moving us closer to our ambitious goal of removing 5 million pounds of plastic and debris by 2026. Thanks to efforts in 2024 alone, we removed 479,808 pounds of debris, allowing us to reach 32.96% of Ocean Blue’s target!  

At Ocean Blue Project, we remain steadfast in our mission to empower local communities and youth leaders to bring about meaningful environmental change. Our 2024 progress would not have been possible without passionate CleanUp Crews and volunteers. Together, we are fostering stewardship and achieving tangible impacts on our oceans and waterways.  

As the year ends, we are excited to announce Giving Tuesday, a global movement to encourage generosity. Your contributions will help us train 200 CleanUp Crew Leaders annually and mobilize 6,000 volunteers, ensuring the continued success of our cleanup programs.  

We deeply appreciate your support.Together, we are making a cleaner, more sustainable future for our oceans.  

 

With gratitude,  

The Ocean Blue Project Team