Recognizing the urgent need to address the growing issue of pollution, the Scouting for Clean Waterways initiative is a call to action for Scouts of all ages to engage in hands-on projects that will make a tangible difference in the health of our rivers, lakes, streams, and oceans. Through organized cleanups, educational programs, and community partnerships, Scouts will learn about the importance of clean water, the impact of pollution, and how they can contribute to solutions.
“Our commitment to conservation is deeply ingrained in the Scouting tradition, and Scouting America has a long history of environmental stewardship,” said Roger Krone, president and CEO of Scouting America. “Through this initiative, we are not only cleaning our waterways but also instilling in our Scouts a lifelong dedication to protecting our environment, empowering Scouts to become leaders in protecting our precious water resources. Through our partnership with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, the NOAA Marine Debris Program and CleanHub, we are amplifying our impact and creating a ripple effect of positive change across our country and the world.”
Key highlights of the Scouting for Clean Waterways initiative:
- Nationwide Cleanup Efforts: Scouts across the country will participate in organized cleanup events, removing debris from shorelines and waterways. Emphasis will be placed on data collection, utilizing the Marine Debris Tracker app to contribute to scientific understanding of pollution patterns.
- Educational Programs: Scouts will learn about the impact of pollution on ecosystems and wildlife, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental responsibility. Educational materials provided by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and the NOAA Marine Debris Program will enhance the learning experience, offering insights into marine science and conservation.
- Global Impact with CleanHub: CleanHub will double the impact of the initiative. For every pound of plastic collected by Scouts, CleanHub will match that effort overseas to mitigate plastics from entering the Coral Triangle.
- Community Engagement: The initiative encourages Scouts to engage their local communities, raising awareness about the importance of clean waterways and inspiring others to take action.
As a partner, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation strives to protect and expand America’s national marine sanctuaries through strategic partnerships and public engagement. Their goals encompass conserving marine biodiversity, safeguarding cultural and historical resources, and promoting ocean literacy. The foundation achieves this by funding critical research, supporting educational programs, and facilitating on-the-ground conservation projects. Their contributions range from restoring vital habitats and removing marine debris to advocating for sound marine policy and fostering a deeper public understanding of the importance of healthy ocean ecosystems.
To increase the global environmental impact of the program, CleanHub has pledged to match every pound of plastic collected, up to 100,000 pounds, by removing an equivalent amount from critical global pollution hotspots. Given the millions of tons of plastic waste that pollute our waterways annually, this initiative arrives at a crucial moment, empowering individuals to be part of the solution.
“Scouting America has always been at the forefront of community engagement, so we’re excited to work together to encourage people to get outside, roll up their sleeves and clean up their local waterways,” said Joel Tasche, co-founder at CleanHub. “By combining our operations and experience in waste management with the enthusiasm of Scouts, we hope to inspire families all over the world to take action to reduce waste in their own communities.”
