By Karisa Arterbury | Director of Operations + Development (volunteer)
Dear Ocean Blue Project Supporters, Volunteers, and Partners,
As we open our latest Create a Cleanup Program Report, I’m honored to share how your dedication continues to transform our coasts, rivers, and communities. Building on the powerful momentum brought by 2025, Ocean Blue Project’s team, partners, and volunteers are turning long-term commitments into measurable impact for our blue planet.
Drawing from Ocean Blue Project’s previous efforts, we know that sustained, community-based cleanups can shift the trajectory of plastic pollution. Leading up to today, thousands of volunteers, from corporate teams and classrooms to neighborhood groups, helped us scale Ocean Blue Project’s Plastic Disaster Relief Program and Create a CleanUp events across the country. That foundation has made our early 2026 progress possible.
By the close of the first quarter in 2026, Ocean Blue Project and our partners have now removed a lifetime total of over 3.29 million pounds of debris from waterways nationwide. To put this in perspective, that’s the equivalent weight of more than 16 Space Shuttle orbiters, at least 11 blue whales, or approximately 132 school buses. These numbers reflect not just what we’ve picked up, but the shared resolve behind every cleanup.
Since January 2026, we’ve continued to advance the ambitious goals outlined in our 2023–25 Ocean Blue Multiyear report by pouring efforts into planning for Ocean Blue Project’s 2026 Shore to Sea CleanUp Tour where our team is expanding community CleanUp connections from South Carolina to Maine, with a focus on CleanUps in New Jersey this fall, thanks to the generous support of Kathy Lynch and team at Green Matters. This progress keeps us on track with our long-term commitments and demonstrates how sustained partnerships turn projections into real-world impact.
Beyond the numbers, these cleanups represent education, empowerment, and long-term stewardship. Each event brings together students, businesses, and community members to learn about the sources of plastic pollution and the solutions we can implement together.
This quarter also highlighted the power of youth and emerging leaders in our work. Building on the success of bringing high school interns into the Ocean Blue Project team in 2025, we’ve continued to engage student leaders who bring fresh ideas, energy, and perspectives to our programs, communications, and on-the-ground events.
Impact at a Glance: Create a CleanUp Program Achievements so far in 2026
CleanUp Crew Leader, Oregon Chapter
Based in Oregon, Alondra has led cleanups for three consecutive years that bring together TRIO and Upward Bound students and community members at Oregon State University, where the Ocean Blue Project began its mission in 2012, to care for local waterways. In February, Alondra led the group in cleaning up around 200 pounds at the very beach where Ocean Blue Project was founded in 2012.
Her leadership not only removes litter from our environment but also introduces young people to environmental stewardship, advocacy, and the power of showing up. Alondra’s events are welcoming, well-organized, and rooted in education. She helps participants understand how local action connects to global ocean health, inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders in the process.
Through these programs and your ongoing support, every pound removed and every connection made brings us closer to a healthier, more resilient ocean for all.
The Ocean Blue Project Team Appreciates YOU!
Together, you’ve helped remove tens of thousands of pounds of debris from beaches, parks, and waterways, while building pride, awareness, and lasting community connections. Each piece of trash removed is a step toward cleaner habitats, safer wildlife, and more resilient coastal communities.
Thank you for sharing your time, energy, and stories with Ocean Blue Project. Your service protects cherished places, empowers the next generation of ocean stewards, and inspires others to join us. As we move through 2026, we are excited to build on the strong multiyear foundation laid between 2023 and 2025 and to continue restoring our waterways, together.
With gratitude,
Karisa Arterbury
By Karisa Arterbury | Director of Operations + Development (volunteer)
By Karisa Arterbury | Director of Operations and Development (volunteer)
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