All should work for goals of Clean Marin coalition

As manager of the Marin Countywide Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program, I applaud the enthusiasm exhibited in the letter to the editor by San Marin High School student Zachary Bischel in the Marin IJ on Oct. 17. He raised public awareness of environmental pollution by highlighting concern about air pollution and littering in Marin, while identifying things we can do to help.

Despite efforts to “clear the air,” Bishcel laments that “few are trying to help with all of this trash.” I want to share how much is being done by agencies, groups and individuals in Marin to stop litter, and how much more is needed.

Clean Marin is a coalition of environmental organizations, municipal and county agencies, businesses and individuals working together to create a litter-free Marin. While each organization has a different focus when it comes to trash, we all support the coalition’s goal.

These groups are engaged in public education at events, through social media and countywide ad campaigns. They organize volunteer trash cleanups such as Team Up to Clean Up, Earth Day, Coastal Cleanup Day, Adopt-A-Spot and clean business programs, as well as providing employment opportunities through the Downtown Streets Team. As a community, we are working to end single-use plastic waste and we installed devices to trap litter before it reaches our creeks, bays and ocean. We are working to improve legislation to implement true source control and producer responsibility.

What can you do to help? Make the commitment and join one of Clean Marin’s action teams, follow Clean Marin on social media, sign up to adopt a spot or become a Clean Business member.

The challenge is enormous. With millions of pieces of tiny trash, food wrappers and cigarette butts being released into our environment every day, it will take all of us working together and following through on personal actions to turn the tide on litter. Let’s work together to keep it clean, Marin.

— Rob Carson, San Rafael