-“Trash Free Starts With Me” addresses issue of trash in San Diego waterways and promotes keeping communities, rivers, creeks, and the ocean clean by emphasizing the need to minimize waste, reuse items as much as possible, and recycle properly-

Project Clean Water, which the the City of Vista is actively involved in, has launched an environmental initiative that addresses the issue of trash and litter and its impact on San Diego’s beaches, rivers, and creeks. 

The campaign, aptly named “Trash Free Starts With Me,” aims to combat the pollution crisis that can be heightened during the summer when more people are outside and there are more visitors to the county. The campaign’s focus is to raise awareness and empower individuals to take responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness of our waterways.

Trash pollution in San Diego’s storm drains and water bodies remains a persistent problem, and continued individual and collective efforts are needed to prevent and reduce trash from entering storm drains and polluting our waterways. The campaign has an interactive website that serves as a hub for valuable resources, tips, and information to assist individuals in adopting eco-friendly practices.

Project Clean Water, a county-wide initiative dedicated to protecting water quality in San Diego County, has launched an environmental initiative that addresses the issue of trash and litter and the impact on San Diego’s beaches, rivers, and creeks. The campaign, aptly named “Trash Free Starts With Me,” aims to combat the pollution crisis that can be heightened during the summer when more people are outside and there are more visitors to the county. The campaign’s focus is to raise awareness and empower individuals to take responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness of our waterways.

“Everyone is aware that littering is wrong and there are consequences, but yet you still see trash on the streets, in our parks, and in our waterways so it is still an issue that needs to be addressed,” said Chelsea McGimpsey of Project Clean Water. “We are launching this campaign as the weather is heating up and visitors and residents alike will be heading to the beach, parks, hiking trails, and other outdoor spots, which unfortunately means more trash and litter that can end up in our water.”

Every year, an estimated 500,000 pounds of trash and litter, including plastic bottles, bags, food containers, cigarette butts, and other debris, end up in San Diego’s waterways which not only poses a significant threat to marine life, but it also negatively impacts water quality and disrupts aquatic ecosystems. Trash pollution in San Diego’s storm drains and water bodies remains a persistent problem, and continued individual and collective efforts are needed to prevent and reduce trash from entering storm drains and polluting our waterways.

“Through this campaign we hope to educate individuals and communities about the importance of responsible waste management and the direct correlation between their actions and the quality of our waterways,” said McGimpsey. “We encourage everyone to adopt eco-friendly practices like putting trash in a covered bin, minimizing waste by opting for reusable items, and trying to reuse items before getting rid of them. Small actions can make a significant impact.”

For more information about “Trash Free Starts With Me” and to learn more about the importance of properly disposing of trash visit projectcleanwater.org/trash-free/. This interactive website will serve as a hub for valuable resources, tips, and information to assist individuals in adopting eco-friendly practices.

About Project Clean Water … Project Clean Water is a county-wide initiative dedicated to protecting water quality in San Diego County. The initiative fosters greater awareness of everyday actions people can take to reduce runoff and stormwater pollution. Project Clean Water is made up of 21 agencies that offer a centralized point-of-access for water quality information, resources, and water management plans. Project Clean Water encompasses all 11 of the regional watersheds. The goal is to support the region’s water quality on behalf of healthy ecosystems and communities. For more information: www.projectcleanwater.org 

Project Clean Water is a joint, coordinated effort by the: County of San Diego; City of San Diego; City of Carlsbad; City of Chula Vista; City of Coronado; City of Del Mar; City of El Cajon; City of Encinitas; City of Escondido; City of Imperial Beach; City of La Mesa; City of Lemon Grove; City of National City; City of Oceanside; City of Poway; City of San Marcos; City of Santee; City of Solana Beach; City of Vista; Port of San Diego; and the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.