56 volunteers came together to clear 123 pounds of litter from White Rock’s waterfront. The cleanup event, the first of two this summer, was organized by the Lower Mainland Green Team in partnership with Green Teams Canada and the City of White Rock. Together, the volunteers dedicated 171 hours to cleaning the beach area.
Volunteers of all ages met at the intersection of Oxford Street and Marine Drive. They split into three groups to cover the foreshore, promenade, and sidewalks, working carefully to remove trash and debris.
The team collected more than 2,500 pieces of litter, including butts, bits of plastic, bags, balloons, and even batteries. Among the more unusual finds were a debit card, underwear, a diaper, Lego bricks, and a paper bag lunch. Other trash included Styrofoam fragments, food wrappers, glass shards, and bits of metal.
This cleanup supports the Lower Mainland Green Team’s ongoing mission to build connected and healthy communities focused on environmental care. Past projects have included removing invasive plants in local parks like Ruth Johnson Park and planting trees to improve green spaces.
Volunteers traveled from many nearby areas to join the event. People from the Semiahmoo Peninsula, Langley, Burnaby, Richmond, and New Westminster participated. Some had also taken part in a cleanup in Burnaby the day before, showing how these events bring people together across the region.
The benefits of such cleanups extend beyond environmental improvements. Organizers stress that spending time outdoors can reduce stress and anxiety while improving mood, focus, and overall health.
The group is committed to fostering an environmental ethic that leads to lasting change. They want participants to feel connected to their community and empowered to make a positive impact.
By removing litter and encouraging care for the environment, the White Rock cleanup volunteers show how small actions can make a big difference in keeping public spaces clean and healthy.
