Recently, I took a stroll on the sandy beaches of Ocean City, New Jersey. Growing up, I always thought of Ocean City as having pristine beaches matching the beauty of the town itself. News of the wonderful beaches in New Jersey must have reached new ears because the beaches have become more crowded with new clientele who are a little too lazy during their "lazy beach days". Walking across the beach, parallel to the Ocean City Boardwalk, the other night, I was appalled at the amount of trash littering the sand. There were all kinds of beer cans, wrappers, and other types of garbage buried in and laying on top of the sand. I couldn't believe it.

Due to the lazy nature of the newcomers, I have to write this article to warn and educate everyone on how to keep a clean beach. Not only is this for the importance of our enjoyment of the beach, but also for the survival of the animals inhabiting the area. This year, I have seen so many seagulls swallowing cigarette butts and other garbage, thinking that it is food, than I have ever seen in my lifetime.

Here are some quick and easy tips for keeping our beaches clean!

1. Locate the garbage cans!

There are always garbage cans at the entrance to the beach! Look for them! They are not that difficult to find.

2. Throw out your garbage!

Wow! What a concept! When you are finished with your food or drink or whatever else you might have on the beach, THROW IT IN THE GARBAGE CAN.

3. Bring garbage free alternatives with you!

Instead of bringing your food in a plastic bag that you are going to forget to throw out 90 percent of the time, try bringing your food or drinks in reusable water bottles and plastic or glass ware. It might save a few seagulls and other animals from their untimely death by suffocation or choking!

Please share this article with your friends and remember to KEEP THE BEACH CLEAN! ☺︎