USPS partners with the
Ocean Conservancy’s
International Coastal Cleanup!!!

The USPS EnvCom encourages all squadrons to participate in this fall’s International Coastal Cleanup.  The official date is 15 September, but events are scheduled from late August through October. Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup is the largest and most successful volunteer event of its kind.  Since 1986 thousands of volunteers from around the globe have cleared over 100 million pounds of trash from 170,000 miles of shorelines, rivers, lakes, and wetlands!   This is an event in which both coastal and inland squadrons can make a difference.   PLUS – events are also scheduled around the world. 

Why participate?

1. The success of this event depends on individuals like you.
2. USPS boaters can reach areas not covered by the typical volunteers.
3. Trash removed from the shore saves marine life.
4. All marine debris comes from human activity.
5. Be a steward in your community and meet new people (potential new members?).
6. You will have a lot of fun!

Squadrons and districts may participate as a group, or individual members may register as volunteers.  Registration is now open.  The state coordinators are listed here: link to pdf document.  International coordinators are listed here: link to pdf document. 

Ocean Conservancy's  International Coastal Cleanup isn't just about pollution cleanup — it's also about pollution prevention. The event focuses on educating and empowering people to become a part of the marine debris solution.

What makes the International Coastal Cleanup unique is its data collection component. Volunteers record specific types of marine debris being found, allowing Ocean Conservancy to compile, analyze and track this data year-by-year and make discoveries about the behaviors that cause the debris.

The final information is used to educate the public, business, industry, and government officials about the problem - understanding the problem is the key to finding long-lasting solutions.

For more information on this event, media kits, and promotional materials, check out the Cleanup Home Page:
Cleanup Home Page

USPS EnvCom will recognize squadrons at the 2008 Annual Meeting for the following:

• Largest Piece of Debris Recovered
• Most Unusual Debris Recovered
• Most Disgusting Debris Recovered
• Funniest Debris Recovered
• Most Participants (includes members, family, friends, pets – you document the connection – we count the participant)
• one recognition for actual quantity
• one recognition using percentage of active & family members

Members, officers, family, friends, and pets connected to any USPS squadron are eligible to participate.  The recognition is not subject to any federal, state or local laws and regulations and is not prohibited by law or regulation.  Participants agree to abide by the terms of these official rules and by the decisions of the EnvCom, which are final and binding on all matters pertaining to the recognition.  The EnvCom reserves the right to disqualify any participant that it determines, in its sole discretion, is ineligible to participate, but can’t think of a particular example where that might occur at this time.  EnvCom will select the judging panel.  While EnvCom will make every effort to be fair, those squadrons providing significant amounts of hype, PR, and otherwise bringing recognition to the organization will most likely influence our decisions.  Submission may be from any squadron member who is willing to take the time to fill out the form.

To qualify for recognition, the following form with accompanying documentation must be submitted to the EnvCom Chair no later than 30 November, 2007.  Submissions may be electronic (mailto:JLHamilton@MarathonOil.com, fax (713-296-4516), or by mail (661 Bering Drive, #201, Houston, TX  770957).

Link to form