Protecting Our Shores
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Our beautiful Gulf Coast beaches are more than just a vacation destination - they're a vital part of our ecosystem and economy. However, marine debris threatens not only the pristine beauty of our shores but also the health of our oceans and aquatic life. That's why Alabama’s Beaches have adopted the Leave Only Footprints initiative, a crucial step towards preserving our coastal environment for future generations.
The Problems Caused by Marine Debris
Marine debris is a global issue, with an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic leaking into the world's oceans annually. This trash, which includes items like cigarette filters, food wrappers, plastic bottles, and fishing gear, can take hundreds of years to decompose. This poses a significant threat to marine life, often being mistaken for food or entangling animals.
The Leave Only Footprints Initiative: This program asks beach visitors to:
- Remove all beach equipment (tents, chairs, toys) by one hour after sunset.
- Fill in any holes deeper than 12 inches before leaving.
- Take all trash with you and dispose of it properly.
- Use provided recycling bins for appropriate items.
How You Can Help
- Follow the Leave Only Footprints guidelines when visiting the beach.
- Participate in local beach cleanup events, such as the annual Coastal Cleanup.
- Reduce your use of single-use plastics, especially straws, which marine animals can easily mistake for food.
- Educate children about the importance of keeping our beaches and waterways clean.
- Practice proper recycling habits both at home and while traveling.
The Impact of Recycling
- It conserves finite resources and energy.
- It prevents waste from entering the ocean.
- It contributes to cleaner beaches and coastlines.
- It sets a positive example for others to follow.
Remember, it takes only one person to make a difference. By being mindful of our impact and taking small steps to reduce waste and recycle, we can all contribute to preserving the beauty and health of our coastal ecosystems.
Next time you visit our beautiful Gulf Coast, remember to leave only footprints behind. Your actions today will help ensure that future generations can enjoy these pristine beaches and the diverse marine life they support. Let's work together to keep our seas trash-free and our beaches clean!
