Many people don’t know that pollution from our own homes, cars and neighborhoods is one of the greatest threats to our waterways. Uncollected litter flows into storm drains and flows directly into the bay.

At the recommendation of the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board all Bay Area urban creeks, lakes and shorelines were placed on the State Water Resources Control Board 2002 "Monitoring List" due to the potential for trash to impair water quality. In response, the San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program (SMCWPPP) initiated a multifaceted program to begin identifying and cleaning up trash in urban waterways in San Mateo County; including municipal trash management, monitoring and assessment, community outreach and trash cleanups.

From urban trash to abandoned waste, marine debris is one of the world's most pervasive marine pollution problems. Each year, thousands of volunteers collect thousands of pounds of trash around San Mateo County during Coastal Cleanup Day. This event provides a snapshot of marine debris collected on one day at different sites throughout the county. To get a list of the top 4 debris items collected during this event in San Mateo County, click here.

Litter can travel to the ocean from many miles inland, blown on the wind or carried along by rivers and streams. For example, cigarette butts, food wrappers, bottles, and bags should not be polluting our water. Every year, thousands of marine mammals, sea turtles, seabirds, and other animals are sickened, injured, or killed because of trash in the ocean. Animals can choke or become poisoned when they eat trash, or drown when they become entangled in bags, ropes, and old fishing gear.

Knowing more about the causes of litter and where it comes from is a good place to start in addressing litter prevention. One person, one business, one organization can make a difference and positively affect the behavior of others in their community. The following videos provide a snapshot of how human litter is effecting marine life and sea birds:

Sea of Shame,
60 Minutes, Sunday 20th July, 2008
Story on how plastic is filling our oceans and what it is doing to marine life.

The Dangers of Marine Debris to the Albatross
Hawaiian teacher and Captain Charles Moore talk about the marine debris that litters the Pacific ocean and the dangers it poses to the albatross. Great video from BBC show Hawaii

Ocean Conservancy: A Rising Tide of Ocean Debris & 2009 International Coastal Cleanup Day
Whether you live near the coast or thousands of miles inland, we are all connected to the ocean.

Do you want to help with a cleanup now? Are you looking for ways to have some fun and help our watershed stay clean and healthy? Click on our Calendar of Events for a list events taking place throughout the County.

Local Volunteer Groups that conduct cleanups:

Acterra
Friends of Cordilleras Creek
Pacifica Beach Coalition
Save Our Shores
Surfrider Foundation

Resources:
NOAA Marine Debris Program
Don't Trash California
Albatross impacted by plastic trash
Save the Bay

Articles:
Why Small Plastic Particles may Pose a Big Problem in the Oceans
Trashing the Ocean

Videos
A Rising Tide of Ocean Debris
The Story of Stuff
"The Great Pacific Garbage Patch," features the Greenhouse Gang uncovering an island of plastic bags in the Pacific