Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches for all people, through conservation, activism, research and education (C.A.R.E).
The Charleston Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation concentrates on keeping our beaches and waterways free of trash to keep the Lowcountry beautiful, for your enjoyment.
The amount of plastic produced from 2000 – 2010 exceeds the amount produced during the entire last century.
We host several beach sweeps throughout the Lowcountry during the year. Please check our Facebook page for the latest information. If you are part of a group looking to host your own sweep, we are happy to help! Just email us at chair@charleston.surfrider.org.
During the Fall months (or as needed) we organize marsh sweeps with local schools. It’s a great way for school children to get a close look at how much garbage works its way into the marsh from the roadside. The hours the students spend doing the sweeps can count towards their required school service hours.
We assist the SCDNR in their monofilament recycling program by caring for and emptying the monofilament recycling stations at the Folly Beach boat landing and the Sol Legare boat landing. When the containers are emptied, the old fishing line is sent to DNR who then sends it off to be recycled into plastic fishing lures.
As a response to increased plastic pollution in the coastal zone and ocean gyres, Surfrider Foundation started an Ocean Friendly Restaurants program. The primary goal of this initiative is to eliminate EPS foam foodware (aka Styrofoam). EPS foam foodware (cups, plates, ‘clamshells’, etc.) is a top item found at Surfrider beach cleanups. The Charleston Chapter of Surfrider is partnering with local Ocean Friendly Restaurants to bring this incredible program to the Lowcountry.
Certified Ocean Friendly Restaurants follow the following criteria: they do not use expanded polystyrene, they follow proper recycling practices, and they use only reusable tableware for on-site dining, only providing utensils for to-go food upon request. If you are interested in becoming a Ocean Friendly Restaurant partner, please contact Jana Davis at ofr@charleston.surfrider.org.
Learn more about Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Restaurants program.
You’re just a couple clicks from providing much-needed support to our efforts to protect the oceans, waves and beaches we love. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference and has a tremendous impact on our work.
Here are some examples of what your support will enable:
Pays for two water tests to make sure a day at the beach is healthy & safe
Provides bags and gloves to remove 500 pounds of trash from the beach
Provides bags and gloves to remove 1000 pounds of trash from the beach
Protects ¼ mile of U.S. coast through our beach preservation program
Educates 2,000 school children about recycling and keeping our waters clean
Sends a Surfrider staff member to Washington DC to provide concrete, real-world testimony
