EVANSTON – In celebration of the 35th anniversary of the International Coastal Cleanup, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) and State Representative Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) are hosting an Adopt-a-Beach cleanup event in partnership with the Alliance for the Great Lakes this Saturday, Sept. 12 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Evanston South Boulevard Beach.

“Our gorgeous beaches provide a beautiful place to exercise, relax and spend time with friends and loved ones. It’s up to us to keep them healthy and clean,” said Fine. “This cleanup event is a great way to enjoy the scenery while making a difference for your community.”

The Alliance for the Great Lakes’ Adopt-a-Beach program mobilizes thousands of volunteers who give back to their local beaches each year. In 2019, Adopt-a-Beach volunteers cleaned up over 53,843 pounds of trash.

About 90% of litter picked up from Great Lakes beaches is plastic. Once in the water, plastic can break down into smaller pieces called microplastics, toxic particles which can be mistaken for food by small fish and wildlife and make their way into drinking water.

“I’m thrilled to be sponsoring this beach cleanup,” said Gabel. “It’s great to give citizens an opportunity to help clean up the environment and beautify the lakefront.”

Volunteers should meet at the South Beach entrance. To keep all team members safe, masks and social distancing will be required. Find more information and register to join the cleanup here.