International Coastal Cleanup Day:
Be a Guardian of the Shore
by Alyssa Jairam
What is International Coastal Cleanup Day All About?
Every year on the third Saturday in September, millions of volunteers around the world gather at beaches, mangroves, and river mouths for International Coastal Cleanup Day. This global movement is dedicated to removing trash from coastlines and collecting valuable data that helps protect marine life.
In 2025, International Coastal Cleanup Day will be observed on Saturday, September 20th. Whether you join a local cleanup group or take action from home, your efforts help create healthier coasts and oceans — benefitting both people and marine life.
Why this day matters?
Protecting Wildlife: Plastics, fishing gear, and other debris can entangle or be swallowed by turtles, fish, and seabirds.
Supporting Communities: Clean coasts mean better tourism, thriving fisheries, and natural storm protection.
Driving Change: The data collected from cleanups highlights the most common pollutants — like plastic bottles and bags — helping policymakers and businesses focus on real solutions.
Quick Actions with A Big Impact: Tips to Protect Our Coasts:
Even if you can’t join a cleanup, here are simple ways to protect our coasts every day:
If You Bring It, Take It Back: Don’t leave snack wrappers or bottles behind.
Ditch Single-Use Plastics: Carry refillable water bottles, reusable utensils, and tote bags.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Choose mineral-based formulas (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) to protect corals and marine life.
Secure Trash & Recycle: Close bin lids tightly to prevent wind or rain from carrying litter to the sea.
Dispose of Cigarette Butts Properly: Filters are plastic and one of the top beach pollutants.
Skip Balloons & Lanterns: Celebrate with flags, bubbles, or digital tributes instead.
Fish & Boat Responsibly: Retrieve lines and nets, use moorings, and follow fishing regulations.
Keep Drains Clean: Never pour oils, paints, or chemicals down drains — use proper disposal facilities.
Protect Native Vegetation: Mangroves and coastal plants prevent erosion and shelter wildlife.
Be Smart with Takeout: Ask to skip disposable cutlery, bring your own containers, or choose eco-friendly packaging.
Conclusion
International Coastal Cleanup Day is more than a once-a-year event, it requires constant action. Each choice you make, from reducing single-use plastics to joining a local cleanup, directly impacts the health of our oceans and the communities that depend on them.
Start small, stay consistent, and inspire others. Every piece of trash you remove brings us closer to a cleaner, bluer planet.
Protecting our coasts isn’t a once-a-year event — it’s a habit!
Want to learn more about how Kenson Group is promoting a greener environment? Discover some of the key activities through our Carbon Net Zero Capability Portfolio here: Kenson Green