How to Participate in Clean Beaches Week + FREE Bingo Template
Did you know that, July 1 - 7, is Clean Beaches Week? The weekly initiative, established by The Clean Beaches Coalition and approved with unanimous consent in the House of Representative and the Senate, is celebrated annually. One of the world’s biggest problems is waste, whether that means wasted potential in our lives or the physical waste that crowds our oceans and kills marine life. Both problems need to be addressed, and this week might even allow you to tackle both kinds of waste at the same time. By taking a few minutes to clean up a local beach, you’ll be fighting against the ever-growing waste in our oceans and improving yourself. In Michigan, there are miles of beach along the lakeshore that could use a little TLC. (Don’t worry, this week isn’t just for ocean beaches. Lakes need some love too!)
Across the United States and around the world, this week will be celebrated with beach clean-ups, educational events, and art fairs designed to raise awareness. Here at Urban You, we’re ready to join the movement as part of our Butterfly Plan, and we need your help too! Participate in our Beach Clean-Up Week Bingo and share your contribution on social media using our FREE Beach Cleanup Bingo template.
Throughout the week, the Urban You Instagram page will feature all our amazing beach babes who are taking an hour or two to give back and keep those sandy shores sparkling clean.
It’s no coincidence that the Fourth of July falls on Beach Clean-Up Week. Chances are, you’ll be taking a beach day anyway, giving you the perfect opportunity to spend a few minutes cleaning up. Maintaining America’s gorgeous beaches is a great way to celebrate our country and preserve the natural beaches for future generations. Simply stuff some gloves and compostable trash bags in your beach bag, and you’ll be prepared. This is the perfect opportunity to get the whole family or friend group involved. Picking up waste doesn’t have to be boring, especially when you’re in good company. If you’re looking to spice up your clean-up, try bringing a speaker to blast some tunes or having a competition to see who can collect the most trash. Don’t forget to separate trash from recyclables!
Even if you can’t go to the beach and help in person this week, you can still spread awareness on social media and with your friends. Share our template to spread the word.
Whether you make it to the beach this week or some week in the future, pay attention to the seven reminders for the perfect beach day, as shared by The Clean Beaches Coalition.
Leave no trace.
This is a pretty simple rule to remember. Whatever you bring to the beach, make sure you leave with it too. A long day laying in the sun can be tiring, but don’t forget to take a second look before leaving your spot to make sure everything is packed up.
Move your body.
Relaxing in the sun can be a great way to unwind, but don’t neglect physical activity. Even passing a volleyball with a friend, swimming, or walking down the beach to pick up trash will get your body moving and help you stay healthy.
Don’t tread the dunes.
This tip is especially important for the many Michigan beaches and dunes facing rapid erosion this year. If you need to cross a dune, use a walkover or walkthrough method and never cause unnecessary erosion.
Know your limits.
Beaches are incredibly fun and exciting places, but they can quickly become dangerous if you don’t recognize your limitations. Never swim where it’s extremely deep or if there are riptide warnings. Be especially cautious around boats and when participating in other high-risk activities.
You are what you eat
Pack healthy snacks and plenty of water (in a reusable bottle) to keep you fueled and hydrated throughout your beach day. Your body, including your skin, will thank you for the amazing nutrients and hydration. Maybe even enjoy some fresh seafood for supper. Remember, we need our fish to be healthy if we want to be healthy. That’s part of the reason why beach cleanliness is so vital.
Feed your mind.
A sandy beach is a perfect place to start a new book or catch up on some reading! Educate yourself on today’s important issues, whether that means caring for the environment or treating all people equally.
Respect the oceans and lakes
Don’t risk your life at the beach during a thunderstorm or swimming in dangerous currents. Honor our beautiful beaches by keeping them clean and keeping yourself safe!
At Urban You, we petition to add an 8th reminder to the list…
WEAR YOUR SUNSCREEN!
Protecting your skin at the beach is extremely important to keep your skin looking young and supple and to prevent skin cancer. We can’t stress this enough. Sunscreen might be the most important step to take to care for your skin. We are completely obsessed with the sunbetter® SHEER SPF 56 Sunscreen Stick! You can pick one up at any of our Grand Rapids or Northville locations, while supplies last.
With these tips, you’re prepared for a clean, safe, and positive beach visit. Let’s make this the best Beach Clean-Up Week yet! Remember to get your friends involved and share how you’re making a difference with the Urban You Community. We can’t wait to see our Urban You beach babes improving themselves and their local beaches!