Island clean-up
Donation protected
Just south of Ensenada, Baja, there are a magical pair of tiny islands. These islands are breeding grounds for numerous bird and seal species, a landmark for migrating grey whales, and a beacon for mariners. Some of the biggest waves in the world break here in the winter, attracting surfers from all over the world.
Unfortunately, inconsiderate visitors have left behind cases of empty beverage and food containers and other refuse. Other island users include the lighthouse keeper and at one time, a small Navy outpost. Due to the expense of removing anything from the islands, much has simply been left to rot. This very special place deserves more care than it has gotten and we are assembling a group of volunteers to spend 3 days cleaning up the mess! None of us can save the planet alone, but if we each took care of a small corner of it, the combined impact would be enormous.
In addition to removing garbage from the islands, we intend to set up a system for regular removal of recyclables and trash created by the lighthouse keepers. Two keepers alternate time on the islands spending up to a month at a time as solitary resident. The $100/week salary they receive must cover their food and their own transportation to and from the island. We hope to provide resources that will allow them not only to be custodians of the lives of mariners, but also custodians of the islands.
Finally, we intend to form a non-profit organization based in Ensenada that will educate local children about the effects of pollution and foster a love of their incredible coastline through recreation and exploration.
Funds collected will be used in the following order:
To pay for equipment necessary for the initial clean-up (gloves, bags, barrels, etc)
To pay for transportation to Ensenada and food for the volunteers who will spend 2 nights sleeping in the original, 1931 lighthouse.
To pay for garbage transportation and dump fees. The Navy is generously providing boat transportation as well as some labor!
To pay for monthly garbage removal.
To help cover costs of forming the non-profit organization.
We expect out goal of $1000 to cover most of the costs of the initial clean-up. Any contributions beyond that will mean that we can do more to clean and preserve this beautiful, rugged coast as well as to change the culture of garbage dumping in Baja so that future generations will enjoy the pristine beauty of their coasts.
Unfortunately, inconsiderate visitors have left behind cases of empty beverage and food containers and other refuse. Other island users include the lighthouse keeper and at one time, a small Navy outpost. Due to the expense of removing anything from the islands, much has simply been left to rot. This very special place deserves more care than it has gotten and we are assembling a group of volunteers to spend 3 days cleaning up the mess! None of us can save the planet alone, but if we each took care of a small corner of it, the combined impact would be enormous.
In addition to removing garbage from the islands, we intend to set up a system for regular removal of recyclables and trash created by the lighthouse keepers. Two keepers alternate time on the islands spending up to a month at a time as solitary resident. The $100/week salary they receive must cover their food and their own transportation to and from the island. We hope to provide resources that will allow them not only to be custodians of the lives of mariners, but also custodians of the islands.
Finally, we intend to form a non-profit organization based in Ensenada that will educate local children about the effects of pollution and foster a love of their incredible coastline through recreation and exploration.
Funds collected will be used in the following order:
To pay for equipment necessary for the initial clean-up (gloves, bags, barrels, etc)
To pay for transportation to Ensenada and food for the volunteers who will spend 2 nights sleeping in the original, 1931 lighthouse.
To pay for garbage transportation and dump fees. The Navy is generously providing boat transportation as well as some labor!
To pay for monthly garbage removal.
To help cover costs of forming the non-profit organization.
We expect out goal of $1000 to cover most of the costs of the initial clean-up. Any contributions beyond that will mean that we can do more to clean and preserve this beautiful, rugged coast as well as to change the culture of garbage dumping in Baja so that future generations will enjoy the pristine beauty of their coasts.
Organizer
Jennifer Kleck
Organizer
San Diego, CA
