As
residents of Southwest Florida, we love our beautiful beaches and are proud to share them with visitors from around the world. Known to 
have some of the best shelling beaches in the world, we are committed to keeping our Gulf coast waters and beaches clean and healthy.
On Wednesday, June 8 from 7 to 9 a.m., the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel Island will celebrate World Oceans Day with a clean-up project on Bunche Beach, 18201 John Morris Road, Fort Myers. In years past, the Shell Museum has focused its efforts on the beaches of Sanibel, however, has shifted its focus to Bunche Beach this time, a popular location just off-island.
The public is encouraged to join the staff of the shell museum – along with its Shell Ambassadors – in their clean-up efforts. To register for the World Oceans Day clean-up on Bunche Beach, contact Stefanie Wolf at swolf@shellmuseum.org. There is a $2 per hour parking fee at Bunche Beach.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that 380 billion plastic bags are used each year in the U.S., of which only three percent is recycled. To help combat
the waste, consider making these changes:
- Use reusable bottles. One of the most common trash items littering our beaches is plastic water bottles.
- Use reusable bags. A single plastic bag can take as much as 1,000 years to degrade, and will still remain toxic to the soil, waterways and animals even after it breaks down.
- Forgo straws. Plastic straws are another common trash item found on beaches. Glass and stainless steel straws are a great alternative to plastic ones.
- Avoid chewing gum. Did you know that nearly all chewing gum contains polyethylene, a molecule that is also used in the manufacturing of plastic bags and bottles? Yuck!
- Shop at farmer’s markets. Bring reusable bags to your local farmer’s market and fill up on delicious, healthy foods and avoid needless plastic wraps, plastic bags and Styrofoam containers.
It’s easier than you think to be good to yourself and your environment!