Celebrate National Clean Beaches Week

By Donna Stark

If you are one of the lucky, you may have already been to a beach this summer or are looking forward to a trip to one. Personally, I don't know what society would be like if it weren't for beaches and I'm sure I am not alone with wishing that I lived just a little bit closer to one. Beaches are the places to be when you want to reset and that is why so many people are involved with the protection of them. In fact, National Clean Beaches Week is held in July.

What Is National Clean Beaches Week?

Founded in 2003, National Clean Beaches Week is commonly referred to as Earth Day for beaches. During this week, hundreds of events are held along the coastlines of America to clean up the shores, to celebrate everything "beachy," and to raise awareness about the benefits and impact of the beach environment. It's a great opportunity to become involved if you go to one of these events, but if you can't make it, or if you would like to be proactive during the rest of the year as well, take a look at some of the following suggestions on how you can play a part in the protection of our much-loved beaches.

• Leave no trace - In other words, carry out what you carried in. Or even better yet, leave the beach in a cleaner condition than what you found it in.
• Be considerate where you walk - Don't tread the dunes. Use a walkover, boardwalk, or appropriate path to get where you want to be.
• Respect ocean life - It's exciting to see a little critter cross your path or to climb the rocky cliffs, but it's more important to respect the environment and the animals you come across. Remember, you are a guest in their home, not the other way around.
• Avoid certain plastics - Use a refillable water bottle, bring your own grocery bags to the store, and avoid using single-use plastic products like straws and utensils. Why? Well, all you have to do is look up how much plastic pollutes the ocean. You may be surprised.

Enjoying Your Day at the Beach

Whether you like to sit in the sand and sun all day or you prefer to walk the boardwalk over and over, your favorite spot to vacation wouldn't happen if the beaches weren't around. So take the time to do your part and make a difference. It's the only way to ensure your favorite spot will be with you for many more years to come.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Rocklin, Calif.