High School Students to Save Beaches One Cigarette Butt at a Time

Over 50 students from Lacey Township High School will be volunteering for Clean Ocean Action’s Beach Sweeps in Seaside Heights on Second Avenue.

“Community service is so important…this is a good way to get students involved,” History teacher and Beach Sweeps Captain Joseph Humenik said.

As a child, Humenik used to walk along the beach with his parents questioning, “What is that?” as he pointed to syringes and tons of garbage strewn on the sand.

Although the trash is not as repulsive, it is still important for the beaches to get attention, Humenik said.

“There’s so much garbage out there. It’s disgusting,” Humenik said.

Humenik’s 20-year surfing background at 2^nd Avenue in Seaside Heights also got him involved with the Beach Sweeps and he has been volunteering for four years.

“This is a way to pass along my passion to the kids,” Humenik said. “Students really learn from seeing teachers and other staff members go.”

Last year, approximately 40 students volunteered and the numbers continue to grow.

Humenik is also expecting township residents of other ages to volunteer as last year families came out to clean the beaches.

“New Jersey beaches are beautiful. It’s important just to get the hands on experience and being at the beach isn’t too bad,” Humenik said.

Typical items found include cigarette butts and bottle caps as well as bike and car parts. Last year, a car bumper washed up on shore, Humenik said.

Humenik emphasized the importance of cleaning the beaches for the environment’s sake. Being green should not just be trendy and Earth Day should not be limited to one day, he said.

“You only get one earth,” Humenik said.

Groups from Lacey Township will be cleaning the 2^nd Avenue Beach in Seaside Heights from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on April 28.

Visit www.CleanOceanAction.com for more information and a list of site locations for Saturday’s Beach Sweeps.

There will be another Beach Sweeps on Oct. 22, 2011. Beaches can be added to the list and anyone can be a captain of a site. Visit Clean Ocean Action’s website for more information.