Join the Effort to Keep Virginia’s Waterways Clean
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Join the Effort to Keep Virginia’s Waterways Clean |
Get Involved
Virginia’s rivers, streams, bays, and beaches need your help! Community science is transforming the fight against plastic pollution and marine debris, and now you can be part of the change. Clean Virginia Waterways (CVW) invites you to get involved, collect data, and make a meaningful difference for our environment.
Why Community Science Matters
Community science bridges the gap between research and public action. By contributing data during cleanup events, you play a key role in understanding and solving the problem of litter and plastic pollution. Every piece of information you provide becomes a stepping stone toward cleaner water and healthier ecosystems.
Participate in Cleanup Events
Every time you pick up litter, you’re not just cleaning up—you’re helping scientists collect vital data.
1: Collect & Submit Data
Double your impact by recording the types and quantities of litter you find. You can contribute through:
Option One: Use the Clean Swell App year-round for quick, easy data recording right from your phone.
Option Two: Download and complete a paper data form from the CVW Site Captain Tool Kit. Then, email a photo/scan of your form to cleanups@cleanvirginiawaterways.org or submit your totals via our online data form.
2: Put Your Data to Work
The data you collect has a major impact:
Understand Trends: Your input helps researchers identify sources of litter and patterns in marine debris.
Develop Solutions: CVW shares your data with policymakers, researchers, and other organizations working on solutions to marine debris.
Create Change: Collected data is added to the Ocean Conservancy’s TIDES database, where anyone can access and use it for free. Reports summarizing Virginia’s data are also used to inform educational campaigns, policies, and laws.
