A new self-serve beach clean-up station has been installed at Sands Point Preserve, the result of a student-led initiative and partnerships with local organizations.
“Not only will the introduction of the beach cleanup station help reduce garbage and waste from entering the Long Island Sound and Manhasset Bay, but it will also inspire change and progress towards a cleaner future.,” Isaac Graubard, president of the Tree Huggers Club at Schreiber High School, said.
The clean-up station, unveiled on June 20, was designed by Relic and established in collaboration between the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy, Schreiber High School’s Tree Hugger Club, and Transition Town Port Washington.
Relic has established more than 85 beach clean-up stations across Long Island.
The clean-up station has a “self-serve” format. Reusable baskets made of recyclable materials hold upwards of 50 pounds of trash.
The stations are located near trash cans, making it easier for visitors to dispose of the trash they pick up.
They are designed to promote environmental cleanup in an easy and approachable way and raise awareness about the environmental harm of single-use plastics.
“Cleanups will be done using reusable baskets and trash pickers so that no additional waste will be generated in the process,” Margaret Galbraith, president of Transition Town Port Washington, said. “In addition to helping to clean up the Preserve, the new stations will also serve as educational centers, raising awareness about the blight that short-term-use plastics bring to our beaches and waters.”
Graubard said that this station will expand opportunities for individuals to get involved in cleaning their natural spaces.
“The beauty of this beach cleanup station is that anyone can participate at any time,” Graubard said. “No longer will we need to organize beach cleanups and get volunteers. Anyone at any time can simply pick up a basket, head down to the beach, and prevent trash from entering our waters. I am so excited to see how the community responds to this new method of removing trash from our beaches.”
Transition Town Port Washington has partnered with Schreiber students in the past few years to prompt environmental initiatives and raise awareness of the harm of single-use plastics.
Galbraith said the latest partnership for the clean-up station is another exciting effort they have worked towards together.
Graubard expressed his appreciation for working with Transition Town Port Washington, the Sands Point Preserve and Relic to establish the clean-up station.
Jeremiah Bosgang, executive director of the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy, said the conservancy is thrilled to partner with the local high school and Transition Town Port Washington to establish this new beach clean-up station.
“This station will allow beachgoers to not only help keep the Preserve clean but also ensure that our majestic shores will be here for our children, grandchildren, and the generations to come,” Bosgang said.
