Volunteers Clear 1,685 Pounds Of Trash From South Shore Beach

Volunteers of Clean Ocean Access (COA) cleared more than 1,685 pounds from South Shore Beach during at Saturday's cleanup.

This marked the 51st coastal cleanup performed by COA in the past 74 months. Formed in 2006, the grassroots group developed from a local group of coastal access and clean water enthusiasts concerned with the safety, cleanliness and open access to the area's ocean and coastlines.

Eighty five volunteers, including 31 new COA volunteers, pitched in to pick up the Little Compton town beach. The cleanup uncovered a compete spectrum of plastic pieces including 930 pounds of glass bottles, fishing gear, balloons, gloves, shoes, and more.

"You name it, during a beach cleanup we find everything including more 2.5-inch diameter sewage plastic disks," said Dave McLaughlin, of the COA. "A great team effort was put forth to separate the trash for recycling efforts and the group used 100% paper bags for this cleanup."

Just over 500 pounds of wood laced with nails were recovered and put in a safe spot for the next permitted beach bonfire. Lastly, about 255 pounds of miscellaneous debris  including metal rods, pipes, plastic tubing, garden hose, rope, tire tube,  door mat, large block of Styrofoam, folding chair, patio table and fishing traps were picked off the shoreline.

The COA visits South Shore Beach annually for cleanups. The next scheduled event is on Dec. 1 at Hull Cove in Jamestown.

The COA will return to Little Compton on Jan. 12 for a cleanup at Taylors Lane.

"Clean Ocean Access believes that  what is  important about keeping our coastlines clean is  for people to spend time outside together and connecting with nature and understanding the impact that we  are having on the environment." said McLaughlin. "We can learn from it and make better decisions  in an easier manner when people connect with nature."

After the cleanup the  group  went to Living Water Surf Shop and celebrated the event with an afternoon cookout and also collected relief donations for people impacted by Hurricane Sandy which were driven down to Rockaway Beach the following morning. Refreshments for the cleanup were provided by Empire Tea & Coffee and food for the cookout was provided by Elemental Surf and Skate.

There were also a few folks that provided some delicious homemade food; a perfect way to end a great day and to keep the conversation going!

COA is a grass roots environmental group. The group was formed in the summer of 2006 as a result of access issues along the shoreline, water pollution at area beaches, and a general interest to form a group that would work towards preserving the environment of today, for tomorrow and future generations.