The Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew uses volunteer power to keep the island’s coast clean. By collecting coastal waste, the group and its volunteers protect natural ecosystems and public health.
In partnership with the South Carolina Aquarium, the IOP Cleanup Crew documents litter to track and mitigate the ongoing ocean pollution crisis. Top litter items include: cigarettes and filters and paper; cardboard and plastic items such as food wrappers and caps, lids, straws and straw wrappers.
“We try to create a fun and flexible setup that works for everyone, whether you join us once or take part on a regular basis,” said IOP Cleanup Crew Co-Founder Susan Hill Smith. “Every volunteer is making a difference and helping us tackle the litter issue as a ‘citizen scientist,’ with our data being included in the South Carolina Aquarium’s Litter Journal.”
During the summer, the Cleanup Crew meets on Monday evenings and Wednesday mornings. Heading into fall and winter, the group will scale back its efforts to once-a-month on Monday evening sweeps. The next of which is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 9, from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
The Cleanup Crew provides volunteers of all ages with reusable buckets, bags, gloves, clipboards and pencils as well as litter grabbers, as needed. Volunteers can obtain a vehicle magnet that allows for free parking in the city’s lots off Pavilion Drive for subsequent litter sweeps.
The check-in location for sweeps is at the beach walkover on the 1100 block of Ocean Boulevard. Volunteers can find the Cleanup Crew’s nook between the city building with the Isle of Palms postcard mural and the outdoor showers next to Coconut Joe’s.
Organizers ask volunteers to collect litter for at least 30 minutes. Afterward, they encourage volunteers to enjoy discounts at participating island restaurants including: The Windjammer, Smugglers, Lawrence’s Seafood Company, Coconut Joe’s, The Boathouse for dinner as well as Sea Biscuit Café, Café Paname and Acme Lowcountry Kitchen for breakfast. Anyone who has helped with at least two litter sweeps receives a Cleanup Crew t-shirt made from sustainable materials including recycled plastic.
Looking ahead to the latter part of 2023 and 2024, the Cleanup Crew’s organizers are planning special holiday- themed litter sweeps for December and February. In March, the crew will shift their schedule again to every other Monday night and include special spring welcome sessions that give an overview of the group’s mission.
No advanced registration is required to participate in litter sweeps. However, large groups are encouraged to contact Smith at susanhillsmith@ gmail.com to provide group affiliation and an estimated headcount.
More information about the Cleanup Crew can be found on social media at facebook.com/IOPCleanup. Their education-driven content focuses on topics including area-specific marine species and ways to protect the coast while enjoying it.
By Isabel Alvarez Arata
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