Rise Above Plastics day set by Surfrider Foundation

COAST CITIES — On June 30, the Surfrider Foundation is hosting the first Rise Above Plastics Day. To get involved, it’s as simple as pledging to utilize your reusable bags and bottles, or you can dive in deeper and join one of our rallies in Ocean Beach or Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
Rise Above Plastics Day aims to raise awareness about the issues associated with single-use plastics such as plastic bags and plastic water bottles. Thousands of marine animals die every year as a result of plastic litter. Plastic bags are particularly problematic in the litter stream because they can escape and float easily in the air and water, traveling long distances. Eighty percent of all marine debris is land-based and locally it adds to the North Pacific Gyre/Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Plastic items account for more than 75 percent of all items found at San Diego County cleanups so Surfrider looks to prevent plastic pollution before it starts.
Rise Above Plastics Day is held the week prior to July 4 as a reminder for beachgoers to take less to the beach with them — especially avoiding styrofoam coolers, plastic water bottles and plastic bags.
Surfrider volunteers will be on busy street corners with awareness signs from 4 to 6 p.m. June 30, along with giving away high-quality reusable grocery/beach bags at Patagonia at 2185 San Elijo Ave. in Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
The Surfrider Foundation is a nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. For an overview of the San Diego Chapter’s current programs and events, log on to www.surfriderSD.org or e-mail [email protected].