For most students, the beach provides relaxation, excitement, and a break. But instead, the Rotary Club, along with AP Environmental Science (APES) students, traveled to Sandy Hook Beach to find…trash?
On May 22, this community service initiative brought together student volunteers and faculty advisors to remove accumulated debris from the six-mile beach before the summer rush begins.
Although the condition of the beach has improved over the past century, trash levels are still high. In the past decade, the percentage of total debris that is plastic has risen from 70% to 83%, according to CleanOceanAction.org. Larger items, such as foam containers, straws, bags, and metal scraps, have decreased, while the volume of microplastics has increased.
This shift has required student volunteers to adapt from traditional clean-up strategies to meticulously scanning the shoreline for bottles, wrappers, and other trash. The tedious nature of the work, however, did not deter the group’s enthusiasm.
“It feels really rewarding to make an impact, no matter how small,” said Rotary’s Vice President Diya Shah ‘27.
The five-hour initiative concluded with the students receiving acai bowls from the club’s sponsor, Playa Bowls, serving as a satisfying reward for the day.
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After a successful beach clean-up, Rotary members brought their trash bags back to school to be thrown out.
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To celebrate their work, Rotary members and AP Environmental Science students enjoy acai cups from their sponsor, Playa Bowls.
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Advisor Mr. Howard Manson and Mr. Martin Goldman enjoy their Playa Bowl cups at the Rotary beach clean-up.
“Everybody looks forward to it, and it’s the big payoff at the end of the year for those who have put in work for Rotary,” said Rotary’s Treasurer Charles Kersting ‘27.
While the day is a Rotary tradition, students and organizers hope the clean-up’s success can have a meaningful impact.
“I hope that the clean-up inspires other students to take a more active role in preventing litter and cleaning up the Earth,” said Heidi Pellek ‘28.
For the APES students, the day was an eye-opening look at pollution data in the real world.
“It was interesting seeing different organisms at the beach and the importance of cleaning up to protect ecosystems and wildlife, something we discussed in APES,” said Risha Bhardwaj ‘26.
The Rotary Club and the APES students cleared the shoreline ahead of the busy Memorial Day weekend by collecting and transferring all trash to the designated park disposal facilities. Through their efforts, EHS filled a total of eight trash bags.
“I’d say we met our goal,” said advisor Mr. Howard Manson. “Especially considering all the trash in the bags, we’ve done a lot of good work.”