It’s that time of year again folks. Fourth of July is upon us and the U.S. Open is right around the corner. That brings tourists, street fairs, parades...and loads of trash on the beach. For those of us that live here, parking disappears and we take to our environmentally-friendly bikes. For the rest of the Huntington beach-goers, our home becomes a vacation spot. It’s important then to keep in mind that more people means an inevitable excess of pollution.With the passing of International Surf Day on Friday, June 27th, it’s important to keep in mind that what is supposed to go into the trash bin sometimes makes its way in the water. Urban runoff will only become more frequent as the crowds form around Main Street and the pier. That annoying traffic ticket you got for street sweeping will take four weeks to break down in the water. That styrofoam cup filled with soda; 100 years. Who likes to paddle out and hit their hand on a slimy plastic bag? What about having the same water that surrounds it go through your nasal cavity as a little surprise nose drip later in the day? Keep it in mind next time you’re filling up that cup, or see someone leaving it on the beach.Currently, Surfrider Foundation has created various programs meant to monitor the current health conditions of the ocean. The Blue Water Task Force is working behind the scenes to make sure citizens are educated and city officials are aware of the water quality. With the city’s major events beginning to pop up over the next few weeks, the Task Force will have an overwhelming job at hand, but everyone can help.Feel free to take some time to volunteer through your local Surfrider chapter. No time for that? Keep an eye out for those blue bins on the sand and boardwalk to dispose of litter. Try to cut out plastics, styrofoams, and glass while using our beautiful beach! The summer holidays may bring in the fuel Surf City needs to survive, but we are left with the surf once the fireworks and banners disappear. Let’s keep it clean so we can enjoy our beach even after summer is over!
