Undaunted by Rain, Volunteers Pour into Tod’s Point for Coastal Cleanup

On Saturday a rescheduled September Coastal Cleanup drew many intrepid volunteers to Tod’s Point, braving the persistent rain.

The cleanup in Old Greenwich was part of global initiative with the goal of bringing the community together for a day of environmental stewardship.

All non-biodegradable trash removed from the shoreline was tallied and reported to Save the Sound who will submit the data to the Ocean Conservancy, which collaborates with organizations worldwide to analyze pollution in the Earth’s waters.

 

Steve Meskers (D-150), whose district includes Greenwich’s entire shoreline, said he nearly had his Timberland boots sucked off his feet in the muck.

“But I’ve rescued what the famous Susie Baker told me was a billet, which are six foot tall flotation Styrofoam pieces under our docks – typically wrapped in plastic casing.”

“In addition to that, I collected up a bucket of mucky, plastic bottles, Doritos and assorted chips bags, the caps for drink bottles, water bottles and a large number of pieces of plastic debris.”

At the event GHS senior Annabelle Elkin from the school’s Environmental Action Club, regulars at all the beach cleanups, said the club continued to be advised by GHS science teacher Robert Conlan.

She shared a tent with GHS junior Jacklyn Pizzella who is starting a non profit called Leaders of the Next Generation with Sameera Madan.

On Saturday morning they were accepting donations to help defray the costs of creating their 501(c)3.

Their mission is to provide all children with access to education, particularly environmental education, through community programs to help youth apply what they know to the real world.

Their goal is to raise $1,000 by September 2024 for organizations that support education for youth.

Leaders of the next Generation also offer free tutoring services for ages 5 to 15.

“Get your kid tutored by high school students in math, science, writing and reading,” their poster said. They also offer tutoring online during the week, depending on the child’s and tutor’s availability. Also, every Sunday at Greenwich Library there will be an optional time for each child and tutor to meet between 1:00pm and 4:00pm.

Partners in the cleanup effort: