Stand Up To Trash 2024 Impact Report

Total Impact

Trash Removed: 5,500 pounds

Participants Engaged: 3,673

Total Events Hosted: 24

This year, Stand Up To Trash made a significant impact on both the environment and our community by organizing 24 events dedicated to environmental conservation and education. From monthly beach cleanups to engaging initiatives like the Plant Walk, Citywide Scavenger Hunt (in collaboration with 10 partner organizations), Dana Point Film Festival, and the seasonal Santa Paddle, every event played a role in advancing our mission to reduce marine debris and promote sustainable living.

Why This Work Matters 

Environmental education is far-reaching—it doesn’t end with a single participant. In 2024, we educated nearly 3,700 people through events like Lunch & Learn, where we focused on reducing single-use plastics, protecting marine ecosystems, and living sustainably. If each of these participants shared what they learned with just one other person, our message would have reached over 7,300 people. And if each person adopted even one small change—like refusing single-use plastics or volunteering for a cleanup—the collective impact would grow exponentially.

Event Highlights

Monthly Events: Our 12 regular gatherings, combining yoga, beach cleanups, and educational talks, made environmental stewardship accessible and inspiring for attendees.

Collaborative Events: By partnering with 10 organizations for the Citywide Scavenger Hunt and working with groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters, YMCA,and Sunburst Youth Academy, we expanded our reach and strengthened community ties.

Youth Focus: Launching a local high school club with monthly meetings and activities empowered the next generation of environmental advocates.

Unique Programs: Events like the Village of Putuidem Cleanup and Dana Point Harbor Youth Program activities demonstrated how community-driven, culturally relevant initiatives can deepen engagement.

2024 Speaker Series:

• January – Watersheds

• February  – Ocean Restoration Through Kelp

• March  – UCI Global Sustainability Students Capstone Projects

• April  – Earth Month: Dana Point’s Rich History Concluding the Scavenger Hunt

• May  – Underwater Photographer

• June  – Shark Researcher

• July – Plastic Free Alternatives and a Refillery Store

• August  – 4 Year Anniversary: Board of Directors discuss the impact we’ve made over the last 4 years

• September – Coastal Cleanup Day: Plastic in Our Drinking Water

• October – Trash is Spooky: PADI Aware Foundation and their initiatives

• November  – America Recycles Day: Recycling Quiz & Contest 

• December – How Whale Watching Promotes Environmental Awareness & New Years Pledge Tree

Total Event Breakdown

20 events directly hosted by Stand Up To Trash

4 events co-hosted with Dana Point Harbor Youth Program

A Sustainable Future

The numbers tell an impressive story, but the true impact lies in the lasting changes our work inspires. Each pound of trash removed prevents harmful materials from entering our oceans. Every participant is a part of a growing movement of informed citizens advocating for healthier ecosystems.

A Look Into the Future: Stand Up To Trash in 2025 and Beyond

As we look ahead, we’re excited to share the next chapter for Stand Up To Trash. Our commitment to environmental education and community engagement continues to grow with several exciting initiatives:

• Kids Club: We’re launching a new Kids Club, featuring book readings and hands-on environmental projects designed to inspire the next generation of eco-conscious leaders.

• Speaker Series: Our popular Lunch & Learn series will continue, bringing in experts to discuss important environmental issues and offer practical ways we can all make a difference.

• Tide School – The Ocean Starts At Your Front Door: This program will expand to local schools, teaching students about the critical connection between everyday actions and ocean health.

• Beach Cleanups & Environmental Events: Our monthly beach cleanups will continue, along with other community events focused on preserving our planet and creating a sustainable future for all.

Together, these programs will help us deepen our impact, educate more people and continue building a strong community dedicated to environmental stewardship.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in 2024. 

Together, we’re not just cleaning beaches—we’re building a cleaner, more sustainable future for generations to come.