A Waimea Country School student passes trash to chaperone Linda Swanson as teammates look on. (Photo courtesy of Waimea Country School)

MEDIA RELEASE

Twenty-nine students, six parents and two teachers from Waimea Country School participated in the recent Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup by picking up trash at Waiala Bay, also known as Beach 69.

Since it began in 1986, the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup has become the world’s largest volunteer effort for ocean health.

During the annual event, nearly half a million people from countries all over the world spend a day picking up trash and cataloging the data of what was found. The worldwide cleanup generally yields eight million pounds of trash.

Waimea Country School fourth graders Kodi Edmonson and Menolly Benedict were unanimous in their feelings about the cleanup effort.

Both said they were tired, but that they knew the cleanup was important to help protect the environment. They said they hoped to save animals from dying, since animals can sometimes accidentally eat trash.

Third grader Iwalani Mehau sees a potential impact to people in addition to wildlife, “If a fish eats a piece of plastic and then we catch the fish and eat it, we are eating the plastic. Gross!”

Teacher Hayley Blondin said, “I am so glad we have made this an annual trip. For some of our students, this is the fourth time they have come with the school to clean the beach. I believe these students are developing a sense of ownership for the work they are doing. Students are beginning to think about the big picture. One of my students was thinking about what she could do differently to keep trash from arriving on the beach in the first place. She said, ‘I think it is best to only bring snacks in reusable containers or their natural, biodegradable peels.’ She was thinking of ways to reduce the amount of trash she produces, not just talking about throwing away her trash.”

Founded in 1996, Waimea Country School’s mission is “to provide an outstanding K-6 child-centered, multiage and multicultural learning experience which incorporates the core values of inclusion and respect.”

The members of the Board of Trustees are Lisa McCarthy, Nancy Perry, Kelly Barrick, Randy Campbell, Felicity Johnson, Desiree Watson, and Scott March.

— Find out more:
www.waimeacountryschool.org

A Waimea Country School student shows off some trash he picked up. (Photo courtesy of Waimea Country School)