In 2023, the CEO of the Del Mar Village Association (DMVA) was inspired by a beach bucket program encountered during a trip to Zihuatanejo, Mexico, and initiated efforts to adapt a similar initiative for Del Mar. Research indicated the effectiveness of such programs in East Coast coastal communities, yet they were notably absent on the West Coast. After reaching out to several organizations, DMVA chose to partner with Relic’s Coastal Collaborative in Long Island, New York, for its innovative beach conservation methods and significant achievements in reducing shoreline waste. Relic has successfully implemented over 80 beach basket locations, accompanied by public engagement campaigns, markedly diminishing litter and enhancing the cleanliness and safety of Long Island's beaches. Motivated by Relic’s achievements and leveraging their partnership, DMVA aims to mirror this success through the Del Mar ShoreSaver Program, aspiring to foster community-driven environmental transformation in Del Mar.

The Del Mar ShoreSaver Program is crucial in combating pollution, particularly in our local beach and coastal areas impacted by millions of visitors yearly. Here’s how they contribute to this effort:

1. Facilitating Regular Cleanups: The presence of cleanup stations turns ordinary beach visits into opportunities for environmental action. By making it easy and convenient for beachgoers to participate in trash cleanup, these stations will significantly increase the frequency of cleanups.

2. Improving Trash Management: The baskets provided at these stations act as temporary waste containers, encouraging beach visitors to manage their trash more responsibly. This direct approach will effectively prevent common beach pollutants like cans, bottles, and plastic debris from being left behind on the sand or washed into the ocean, thereby protecting marine ecosystems.

3. Raising Environmental Awareness: Cleanup stations constantly remind us of the ongoing effort required to maintain clean and healthy public spaces. They symbolize the collective responsibility of the community to protect and preserve these areas for current enjoyment and future generations. This heightened awareness can lead to more sustainable behaviors and attitudes toward environmental conservation.

Overall, introducing the Del Mar ShoreSaver cleanup stations is a proactive measure that deals with the immediate problem of beach pollution and fosters a culture of environmental stewardship and community involvement in conservation efforts.

A generous donation from EDCO and support from the Relic Coastal Collaborative have initially funded the Del Mar ShoreSaver Program. This seed funding is critical to enable DMVA to launch this vital initiative to preserve the pristine beauty of Del Mar’s beaches and the ocean through innovative cleanup stations and community engagement. As we look to the future, the continuation and expansion of the Del Mar ShoreSaver program will require ongoing support from the community. DMVA invites individuals, businesses, and community partners to join us in this effort by contributing tax-deductible donations. Your support will ensure we can maintain and grow this program, keeping our beaches clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our coastal environment. Donate Today!