ERA Justin Sweeps the Beach

On Saturday, October 19th volunteers from up and down the state of New Jersey reached out to their beloved beaches to lend a hand cleaning up the sand. It’s an annual event called “Sweep the Beach” and agents from Rutherford’s own ERA Justin Realty pitched in.

“Beach sweeps are a perfect opportunity to give back to the communities who welcome everyone from far and wide every summer season,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty, who owns a summer home on Long Beach Island.

“Sweep the Beach” is a charitable volunteer program run by the non-profit organization Clean Ocean Action. The COA is a regional and national coalition created in 1984. It uses research, education and citizen action to unite and empower people to work together to reduce pollution in the waters off the East Coast. Volunteers clean up plastics and litter that pollute waterways, soil the white sand beaches, and harm or kill marine life including turtles, whales, seals, birds and fish.

“We all love to go down the shore every summer,” said Metzger, “Doing this helps remind us that caring for our nation’s coasts takes place year round.”

The October 19th clean up featured beach sweeps in 80 locations up and down the New Jersey coast from Red Bank down to Cape May.

The team from ERA Justin braved the breezes to sift out  hundreds of pieces of litter and other items from the sand, keeping the trash from making its way into the ocean. “Days like these ensure that not only will we have another safe and clean swimming season next summer,” says Metzger, “But we are also helping to ensure that all of the New Jersey seafood and shellfish we enjoy remains free of pollution and safe to eat.”

Clean Ocean Action is a broad-based coalition of 125 groups including active boaters, businesses, community service groups, conservationists, scuba divers, environmental groups, fishermen and women, religious groups, students, surfers and women’s organizations. They all use their specific skill sets to contribute to the cause and save the seas.

“It really is all hands on deck,” says Metzger.

If you’re interested in joining the next Beach Sweep check out the coalition’s website at www.CleanOceanAction.org.

Pictured (from left to right) Kneeling: Alexa Micciulli, Jennifer Darby Metzger. Standing: Carol D. Calamari, Lee Schilare, Soila Columbie, Mazzion Schnackenberg, Cindy Plessel