In spring-summer 2010, Blue Ocean Society intern Andrew Hayford, 15, and a junior at York High School, designed a Keep Our Beaches Clean Campaign. Andrew has done many cleanups in southern Maine as part of Blue Ocean Society's Adopt-a-Beach Program and wanted to do something to stem the trash before it got to the beach and impacted wildlife.
Andrew worked with elementary school students in York to develop artwork and slogans for his campaign, which he then used to create decals. He worked with us to develop an "Ocean-Friendly Checklist" which he brought to area businesses. He encouraged the businesses to display the decal and do 5 actions that would protect the marine environment.
The Town of York also was excited about the project - they used the students' artwork in beach signage and on their lifeguards' t-shirts!
Ocean-Friendly Businesses
We are proud to inform you of this year’s ocean-friendly companies:
Roast Cafe & Bistro, Cape Neddick
The Marketplace, Cape Neddick
Cat N Nine Tails, Cape Neddick
Lucia's Kitchen, Cape Neddick
Cape Neddick Lobster Pound, Cape Neddick
Shore Road Market, Cape Neddick
Coastal Elementary School, York
Village Elementary School, York
Columbary House, Cape Neddick
Cranberry Hill Antiques Custom Lighting, Cape Neddick
Freedom Salon & Spa, York
Hannaford's Supermarkets, York
York Hospital, York
Caldwell Banker Realty, York
Pie in the Sky, Cape Neddick
Sunrise Hotel, York Beach
The Grand View, York Beach
The Sea Latch Motor Inn, York Beach
The Oceanside Store, York Beach
The campaign continues through the end of the fall and businesses can join by contacting Andrew Hayford. Please send your name, business name and address when contacting us.
Ocean-Friendly Actions
Curious about the Ocean-Friendly checklist? Download a PDF version here or see the checklist items below.
Actions That Directly Benefit Marine Life
/ / Limit the use of Straws and Stirrers. Better yet, don’t offer them at all, or offer biodegradable versions.
/ / Provide bottles with environmentally-friendly caps (caps secure to the bottle)
/ / Provide outdoor cigarette/ash receptacle
/ / Limit use of balloons or take down at end of day
/ / No use of plastic containers, use biodegradable (i.e., plates, takeout, etc.)
/ / No use of Styrofoam containers or cups
/ / Use our natural sea breezes to cool your building and customers – rather than energy-consuming air conditioning.
/ / Reduce energy consumption by turning off extra lights or on a pre-programmed switch
/ / Work with Blue Ocean Society to coordinate a beach cleanup(s) with your employees or customers.
Actions Generally Beneficial to Clean Oceans and Beaches
/ / Contain your garbage (keep lids and dumpsters secure)
/ / Clean outside your building regularly, including curbside
/ / Provide garbage cans to public with secure lids
/ / Provide a bottle/can recycling container
/ / Use environmentally-friendly insecticides on lawn and garden, or reduce use of insecticides altogether.
/ / Use environmentally-friendly cleaners and soaps
/ / Use environmental-friendly (LOCAL) products, such as whole foods, grains
/ / Compost food waste and containers (if appropriate)
/ / “Take only what you need” signs, for napkins etc.
