Adopt-A-Beach Fall Cleanup Set for Victoria on Sept. 28

Every year, beachgoers leave tons of trash onTexas beaches in theVictoria area. And even more washes up from theGulf of Mexico.

That’s why Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson is issuing a call for an army of volunteers of all ages to help keep our beaches pristine and safe for all to enjoy at the Texas General Land Office Adopt-A-Beach Fall Cleanup. The cleanup will take place at three sites in theVictoriaarea

“We’re looking for a few good Texans to help keep our beaches litter-free,” Patterson said. “Join us on Sept. 28, for an enjoyable, memorable event to clean up our coast.”

Volunteers may register at check-in sites between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013. Most sites will provide cold drinks, hot food and fun activities immediately following the cleanup.

Now in its 27th year, 446,000 Adopt-A-Beach volunteers have picked up 17 million pounds of litter from the GulfCoast. To participate, register at www.TexasAdoptABeach.org.  Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes, a hat and sunscreen. They will be provided with data cards, gloves, pencils and trash bags.

Those who can’t make it on Sept. 28 will have a second opportunity this fall. A competitive, four-wheel drive excursion, cleanup and treasure hunt, the Adopt-A-Beach Cleanup Expedition, is set for Nov. 2 at Padre Island National Seashore. Year-round, anyone may donate to Adopt-A-Beach online. Sponsorship levels range from $25 to $25,000, tax-deductible. More details are at www.TexasAdoptABeach.org.

The cleanup does more than simply remove litter from the beach. Data collected from previous Adopt-A-Beach cleanups played an important role in the passage of an international treaty (MARPOL Annex V) restricting the dumping of plastics in the world’s oceans. In 1991, the International Maritime Organization prohibited the dumping of trash, except for finely grounded food scraps, into theGulf of Mexico.