Quick Facts: The problem of litter is ubiquitous and the hazards to our natural environment from improperly disposed trash plagues communities all around our country and the world. Fortunately, pollution prevention happens to be one of the simplest environmental issues to highlight in a school setting and therefore a great starting point for schools wishing to implement a “green agenda” on campus. Read on to learn how to motivate students to tackle this issue by planning a community cleanup.

As we welcome the New Year, the school my children attend has resolved to take on the task of pollution prevention. Since we are a coastal community in the heart of our “rainy season,” much of our discussion will center on storm water run off and how 60-80% of all debris found in the ocean comes from land based sources. We provide the students with information that illustrates the harm to marine wildlife and ecosystems caused by balloon fragments, cigarette butts and other common trash found washed-up on our shores. We then punctuate this lesson with a school-wide cleanup located at a popular beach near our campus.
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