Dozens of M-A students attended the California Coastal Commission’s 40th annual Coastal Cleanup Day at San Francisquito Creek last Saturday. The volunteers gathered and armed themselves with plastic bags and gloves. After a brief protocol training, the group transformed into a well-oiled, trash-removing machine looking to eliminate foreign items from a natural ecosystem only a few minutes from M-A.
While many students participated in the event to fulfill their four-hour AP Environmental Science (APES) class service requirement, some just tagged along for the cause. “I’m not in APES, but I heard about the event through some of my friends and knew I wanted to help out,” senior Siena Penagos said.
While picking up trash may not seem like the most riveting way to kick off a weekend, the creek continuously echoed with laughter and friendly conversation. “This is definitely the most fun I’ve ever had picking up trash,” senior Jonas Roodman said.
Volunteers picked up items ranging from shopping carts to tires to beer bottles, witnessing the effects of littering on natural ecosystems firsthand. “This experience showed me just how important it is to clean up after yourself,” senior Spencer Cadigan said. “It might not seem like a big deal at the moment, but if you don’t do it, it’s unlikely anyone else will.”
This is definitely the most fun I’ve ever had picking up trash.
senior Jonas Roodman
“While I’ve seen statistics and heard stories about our struggling environment, nothing motivates you to help more than seeing the problem with your own eyes,” senior Cole Cadieux said.
“It was really special to have a group work towards a common goal,” Penagos said.
“APES is a class that’s super relevant to your future, and these topics are in action everyday,” APES teacher Erica Woll said. “Volunteering is a way to make connections with the community, environment, and friends. It’s really a feel good activity regardless of the focus. Why wouldn’t we want you to help the earth?”
Learn more about the coastal cleanup and California Coastal Commission here.
