For more information, please visit www.projectcleanwater.org The sun is out and visitors and residents alike will be heading to the beach, parks, hiking trails and other outdoor spots in greater numbers, which unfortunately means more trash and litter that can end up in our water. Historically, July 5 has been known as the dirtiest beach day of the year, following 4th of July celebrations. To combat this issue, Project Clean Water is launching “Trash Free Starts With Me,” a public education campaign aimed at promoting proper disposal of trash, minimizing waste, or reusing items to decrease the amount of waste that enters into waterways. Everyone is aware that littering is wrong and there are consequences, but yet you still see trash on the streets, in our parks, and in our waterways so it is still an issue that needs to be addressed. Every year, an estimated 500,000 pounds of trash and litter, including plastic bottles, bags, food containers, cigarette butts, and other debris, end up in San Diego’s waterways which not only poses a significant threat to marine life, but it also negatively impacts water quality and disrupts aquatic ecosystems. Trash pollution in San Diego's storm drains and water bodies remains a persistent problem, and continued individual and collective efforts are needed to prevent and reduce trash from entering storm drains and polluting our waterways. Through this campaign we hope to educate individuals and communities about the importance of responsible waste management and the direct correlation between their actions and the quality of our waterways. We encourage everyone to adopt eco-friendly practices like putting trash in a covered bin, minimizing waste by opting for reusable items, and trying to reuse items before getting rid of them. Small actions can make a significant impact. Here are some tips and ideas to keep our water clean this summer: This might seem simple but pick up after yourself – it is the simplest action that can make the biggest difference. Find the nearest trash can and throw away anything that doesn’t belong in nature. If there is no trash can nearby, take it with you. Alternatively, try to avoid brining anything at all that can become litter especially single use plastics. Plastics often contain additives making them stronger, more flexible, and durable. But many of these additives can extend the life of products if they become litter, with some estimates ranging to at least 400 years to break down. Dogs love to join us on hikes, at dog parks and dog friendly beaches - scoop the poop! Their waste is not natural - it is full of bacteria and excess nutrients that will contaminate local waterways. Wear a reef-friendly sunscreen – mineral based sunscreens reduce the impact on marine life. Make a new family tradition of volunteering for a cleanup. Our friends at Surfrider Foundation and I Love a Clean San Diego have clean ups taking place all the time. Participate in “The Morning After Mess” clean up around the County on July 5. Take the Project Clean Water “52 Ways to Love Your Water” Pledge – weekly small actions that everyone can take that will help protect our waterways.