CLEARWATER -- This city on Florida's west coast kicks off a weeklong cleanup today.
Clearwater has taken part in the annual Coastal Cleanup for years. Now it's devoting a week to a citywide cleanup. Sustainability coordinator Sheridan Boyle says there's also a long term education program about littering.
"Basically, staying away from single use plastics, and encouraging businesses... to do the same thing," Boyle said.
Boyle says Clearwater expanded its cleanup beyond the coastline, because trash in town makes it to the waterfront, affecting not just seabirds but all wildlife along the way.
"When you look at ocean debris, or just litter across our communities and parks, we can see that that not only negatively affects animals, but also our human perceptions of place."
All this week local businesses and civic organiations will hold smaller cleanups. Volunteers will hit beaches, trails and parks
in the Big Cleanup on Saturday.
Look below for links to two podcasts about the Big Cleanup.
Photo: Canva