Volunteers Needed for a Clean-Up in Fredericksburg, VA

Please join us for a clean-up this Saturday in Fredericksburg, VA. Protect the Rapp from marine debris!

What: A clean-up event that will focus on removing litter before it makes it into our beloved Rappahannock River
Where: 503 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (we will meet outside the new ACA office)
When: March 1, 2014, 9am-12pm

More info here. 

Can't make it to the clean-up this Saturday? There are lots of other ways to help. Learn more about the ACA's Stream to Sea Initiative, grab some Paddle Green Bags, and start keeping track of all your hard work with our Track Trash form.  

ACA SUP Instructor Circumnavigates Puerto Rico

Today is the day ACA certified SUP instructor, Mike Simpson, embarks on his 273 nautical mile circumnavigation of Puerto Rico! 

Best known for his epic 2,000+ mile self-supported paddleboard expedition from Florida to Maine, Mike's latest adventure is something he's been planning for over a year. He hopes to raise awareness about ocean pollution during his voyage.

"I'd heard the stories about large amounts of garbage in the ocean, but until I saw it first-hand along the entire eastern seaboard I really had no idea how serious it was," said Mike. "Plastic bottles are so convenient, but it's important for people to realize that convenience comes at a cost. I just ask that people seriously consider using reusable bottles whenever possible instead of disposable bottles."

The ACA wishes Mike a safe and happy journey. Stay tuned for more updates from his trip! 

Contest!

This Valentine's Day, break up with your disposable plastic water bottle for good! Think of it as a Valentine's Day gift to yourself. 

We've even pre-drafted the break up letter for you: 


Dear Disposable Plastic Water Bottle, 

Look, we both knew this day was coming. We've been together now for (length of time) and let's face it--you just aren't (adjective) enough for me. 

You're a drain on my wallet, full of BPA and (noun), and I can't even count the number of times I've found you on the beach just acting trashy with your friends. I hate the way you (verb), and all my friends think you are (adjective).

Good things are built to last, and this relationship isn't one of them. You poison me with your use-and-toss mentality. That's why I'm (verb ending in -ing) you for good.

It's over. I'm moving on to a greener future full of (something sustainably awesome).

Don't call me. 

Bye,

(Your signature)


Simply copy and paste this letter into an email, fill in the blanks, and then send it to us at clloyd@americancanoe.org. 

Be creative! We'll choose our favorite submission on Friday afternoon and the winner will receive a Klean Kanteen water bottle and one of the new ACA Paddle Green Bags! 

Need some inspiration? Check out this infographic, and learn more about how we can work together to keep ALL kinds of marine debris (plastic water bottles included) out of our waterways!

Now THAT'S how you paddle green. 

Protect the Rapp From Marine Debris

Fast fact: 
Approximately 6.14 million tons of debris enter marine environments each year, and 80% of it originates as land-based trash.

Our Membership Coordinator Amy Ellis picks up trash like a boss.

Become a part of the solution! Join us for a clean-up in Fredericksburg, VA. 

Who: The ACA staff & awesome volunteers like you
What: A clean-up event that will focus on removing litter before it makes it into the Rappahannock River
Where: 503 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (we will meet outside the new ACA office)
When: March 1, 2014, 9am-12pm

Can't make it? There are lots of other ways to help. Learn more about the ACA's Stream to Sea Initiative, grab some Paddle Green Bags, and start keeping track of all your hard work with our Track Trash form. 

2014: Less Trash, More Class

Congratulations to the Arkansas Canoe Club for completing the first Track Trash data collection form of the year! Keep up the stellar work!

Want to help? Visit the ACA's Track Trash website for more info. Thanks for making the world a better place to paddle.

The 2014 Winter Stew News is Out!

In this issue:

• Environmental Stewardship 
• NOAA Marine Debris Program 
• Deschutes Clean-up
• Clean-up Data from 2013
• Project Baseline
• Stewardship Spotlight

Read it online here.

Want to be featured in the next ACA Stewardship Newsletter? We accept submissions through our website! Please contact our Stewardship Coordinator if you have any questions, comments, or feedback regarding the newsletter. 

A Grant for Green Paddlers

Since 2002, the ACA has partnered with L.L. Bean to sponsor the Club Fostered Stewardship (CFS) Program--and we're thrilled to continue this partnership in 2014!

CFS grants are available for projects that utilize volunteers in efforts to:

• protect, maintain, and restore recreational waterways 
• provide for or improve public access
• enhance safe navigation 

Application packets available now! 

Introducing the All-New ACA Paddle Green Bag!

Abrasion-resistant. Durable. Made with environmentally-friendly dyes. The ACA is proud to present its new paddle green bag--now stronger than ever!

Get yours today.

And when your Paddle Green Bag is too worn to collect any more trash, simply send it back to the ACA for our Second Life Recycling Program.

And the Winner is..

Congratulations to Cowper Chadbourn, winner of our Marine Debris Photo Contest!

Do you want to participate in a clean-up event near you? Visit our website or contact our Stewardship Coordinator for more information!

NOAA's Art Contest for Kids

Spread the word! The NOAA Marine Debris Program's annual "Keep the Sea Free of Debris" Art Contest is now open.

Bring out the crayons and markers. This is a great way for kids to make a big difference, helping raise awareness about the global marine debris problem and the ways we can solve it.

Artwork by Brianna V. (Grade 3, California)

Students in Kindergarten through 8th grade are invited to submit artwork until December 16. The thirteen winners will be featured in the 2015 marine debris calendar.

Read more about the contest rules...