Taking Notice

At a favorite spot in RI last week I was sad to see plastic bottles and other debris littering the rocky shore for as far as you could see – and in extremely high density. Given the location of this spot, these probably washed in from the ocean (rather than people leaving them there). I easily filled a giant trash bag with plastic bottles, nylon rope, a few bags a bunch of straws, etc. In the lineup I mentioned it and suggested we all take some with us. I know one guy did. That stoked me out.

Just Me, a Few Waves and a Seal

Yeah... that about sums up today's sessions.

Beach cleanup in a cup...

Hurricane Nadine

Superfun surf and some pre-swell beach cleaning.

Good surfers take care of their beaches... Photo cred: Dmitri Cantor for photos 2, 4, 5 & 7

Everyday Objects

Collected in between surf sessions. Some things that you would not expect to find and some that we are getting all too used to seeing. There are 29 identified items in this small grouping (and a few mystery items, too).

1. Nylon rope, 2. Mini alcohol bottles, 3. Lobster bands, 4. Single-use plastic water bottles, 5. Plastic hair comb, 6. Plastic straws, 7. Plastic bags (packaging), 8. Plastic spoon, 9. Electrical cable, 10. Plastic utensil wrapper, 11. Assorted container caps, 12. Cigarette butts, 13. Bandaid, 14. Plastic bubble wand, 15. Single-use plastic drinking cup, 16. Paper cup from fast-food restaurant, 17. Condiment cup, 18. Candy wrapper, 19. Plastic scrub brush, 20. Aluminum can top, 21. Duct tape, 22. Nylon Fishing line, 23. Air filter, 24. Beer can, 25. Plastic zip tie, 26. Shellfish netting, 27. Lobster trap door, 28. Plastic cup top, 29. Lobster trap cage

Disc Debacle

Concerned beach lovers have been scouring a 40 mile stretch of coast after an overflow at the Hooksett, NH Waste Water Treatment Facility released an estimated 4 to 8 million plastic discs into the Merrimack River on March 6th, 2011.

The discs are used in the water waste system to give helpful bacteria a place to sit and help break down sewage. Unfortunately, there was no alarm system in place to alert anyone about the overflow and it was not until 4 days later that the situation was discovered. Had it not been for the discs, the overflow may not have been discovered at all.



NH Surfrider Foundation, Blue Ocean Society and local surf shops were the first to report the findings and organize clean ups. Crews have been collecting them by the hundreds. Last Saturday's emergency cleanup in Hampton, NH was no exception.



At first glance it seemed challenging to find a disc but then we would happen upon a mass of seaweed in between the rocks and find over 10 in a matter of seconds. We searched until the supermoon, high tide had us up against the wall. No doubt, as we scrambled to find a few more, the sea was getting ready to deposit a fresh batch.

Sure enough, after this morning's surf, I found 15 within a 15 minute timeframe. As I sifted through the seaweed I couldn't help but notice the discs co-mingling with so many other little plastic friends. Still, there is a satisfying feeling with each one found. Something tells me we will be seeing many more in days to come.


Additional information can be found here:
Kruger wins IFAS contract in Hooksett, New Hampshire »
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services »
NH Surfrider Foundation »
Blue Ocean Society »

Surfrider Beach Cleanup, NH

Surfed my heart out all morning and then joined up with Surfrider NH for a beach cleanup. We collected 360 lbs of trash! Click here to see how you can help, too.






Learn more:
» Surfrider Foundation
» Surfrider Foundation NH Meetup Group

I heart Nemo.

One of a few cool people I met from the outdoor product company Nemo Equipment based in Nashua, NH. They make rad camping gear but they are extra awesome because they have adopted this beach and do regular beach cleanups. Here, Connie enjoys a cleaner little left. I hope to join in on their next cleanup in December. You can also check out their cool blog, Adventure Anywhere.

Civilian Litter Patrol

What is the Civilian Litter Patrol, you may ask? It is an unofficial club that welcomes all people who are interested in making a little difference without a big, organized event to catalyze the action. As a member of the Civilian Litter Patrol you are free to wander the planet, cleaning up any little area that you think needs your help.


All you need is to carry a box of trash bags and a pair of gardening gloves with you in your car at all times. When you pull up to your favorite surf spot and see trash all over the place. Instead of getting pissed off, you can spend a half an hour tidying it up. Well... you can still get pissed off at the trash :)


Take before and after pics to show your work. Share your CLP deeds with others to help spread the goodness. You can be an ambassador of the earth and influence others – all the while scoring points with the waves gods. Brilliant!