September Events Clean Up

Want to be part of the biggest clean up event of the year here in the Golden State? California Coastal Cleanup Day is the state’s largest volunteer event of the year and it’s happening on September 15. There are cleanup sites all over Los Angeles, so it’s easy to get involved. With California Coastal Cleanup Day, a video contest entitled What’s Your Footprint?, multiple HHW/E-waste collection events, volunteer opportunities at seaside aquariums and a “mutt strut” event that benefits homeless pets, the month of September really cleans up in the area of educational and fun events!

> Get involved! California Coastal Cleanup Day is Saturday, September 15. There are two Southern California coordinators for California Coastal Cleanup Day. Contact Heal the Bay for cleanup sites in Los Angeles. Contact El Dorado Nature Center for cleanup sites in Long Beach.

> Pollution Prevention Week is September 17 – 23. To recognize Pollution Prevention Week, the California Department of Toxic Substance Control is holding a video contest entitled What’s Your Footprint? People are encouraged to make a short video that shows how making small changes in their daily lives can have a positive impact on our environment.

> Got HHW? The County of Los Angeles is conducting Household Hazardous Waste/E-waste collection events in September in the cities of Alhambra, South Pasadena, Carson and Beverly Hills. If the September dates aren’t convenient, City of Los Angeles-operated SAFE Centers throughout Los Angeles accept unwanted household hazardous waste and electronic waste all year long.

> Fall is right around the corner and that means harvest time! Join garden enthusiasts and veterans at two community garden work days in Westchester and Redondo Beach and learn a few autumnal tips from the experts.

> And, speaking of gardens, autumn is the perfect time to learn more about how you can incorporate native plants in your home’s landscaping. The Theodore Payne Foundation offers a full-range of classes and events showcasing California natives.

> Ready to take your environmental involvement to the next level? Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and Heal the Bay’s Aquarium at the Santa Monica Pier are looking for docents, interns and volunteers at their seaside aquariums. It’s a great opportunity learn more about the sea and teach the next generation about the Pacific Ocean and the creatures who call the sea their home!

> September’s the month to strut your mutt! On September 22, Best Friends Animal Society presents the 3^rd Annual Strut Your Mutt at Pan Pacific Park. Proceeds from the one-mile walk will benefit homeless pets in Los Angeles. And, LA Stormwater will be there, supporting a great cause and distributing dog waste bag canisters to attendees.

For a full listing of stormwater friendly events happening in LA this month, please visit our calendar. If you have an event you would like to include on our calendar, please e-mail us at lastormwater@lacity.org

Photo courtesy of Heal the Bay.