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The Jersey Shore is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant communities, and the serene beauty of its waterways. However, beneath the surface of this picturesque landscape lies a growing problem—pollution in the very waters that define the region. Fortunately, a group of dedicated volunteers is tackling this issue head-on, one paddle stroke at a time.
Founded in 2021 by avid kayaker and paddleboarder Lynn Brotherston, "Stroke Your Eco, Paddle for the Planet" is a local initiative dedicated to cleaning up the waterways of New Jersey. The organization brings together environmentally conscious individuals who share a love for the outdoors and a deep concern for the health of their local environment. Through regular clean-up events, these volunteers are making a tangible difference in preserving the natural beauty of the Jersey Shore.
The Birth of a Movement
The idea for Stroke Your Eco was born out of a simple yet powerful observation. While out on her kayak during the COVID-19 pandemic, Brotherston noticed the increasing amount of trash littering the waterways. From discarded plastic bottles to old tires, the debris was not only an eyesore but also a threat to local wildlife and ecosystems.
"I started it as a meetup group," Brotherston explains. "I was going out by myself and I would see a bunch of garbage. I thought, somebody has to do something about this."
What began as a small, informal gathering of like-minded individuals quickly grew into a well-organized effort. The first cleanup event attracted 20 to 25 people, a testament to the community's shared concern for the environment. Since then, the group has expanded its reach, attracting volunteers from all walks of life who are eager to contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.
Making an Impact
The success of Stroke Your Eco can be measured in both the number of clean-up events held and the sheer volume of trash removed from local waterways. Since its inception, the organization has conducted 82 cleanups and removed over 43,000 pounds of trash from the water. This staggering amount includes everything from plastic waste to large items like furniture and tires, which are often dumped illegally to avoid disposal fees.
During each cleanup event, volunteers take to the water in kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, carefully collecting trash and debris as they go. The effort is both physically demanding and immensely rewarding. On average, the group removes between 200 and 300 pounds of garbage per cleanup, though some events have yielded even larger hauls.
"It's insane," says Brotherston. "Especially with the tires and the furniture. If we have a storm, all the furniture from your patio is going right into the water—or garbage bins, you name it. With the tires, people don't want to bring them to the dump because it costs about $5 per tire. So, they just dump them in the water."
The problem of litter in waterways is compounded by a variety of factors, including littering by fishermen, illegal dumping, and the natural movement of debris caused by wind and storms. Certain locations, such as Forge Pond in Brick, are particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to busy roads. Garbage thrown from car windows can easily find its way into the water, creating an ongoing cycle of pollution.
Expanding the Reach
While kayaking and paddle boarding are the primary means of collecting trash, Stroke Your Eco is inclusive of all volunteers, regardless of their access to watercraft. For those who prefer to stay on land, the organization also coordinates shoreline cleanups, allowing everyone to contribute to the cause.
As the organization continues to grow, Brotherston has ambitious plans for the future. Her goal is to secure enough funding to purchase a truck and trailer equipped with six to ten kayaks, enabling even more people to participate in the cleanup efforts. This expansion would allow the group to cover more ground—or water—and further amplify their impact.
In addition to expanding the cleanup operations, Brotherston is passionate about raising awareness of the environmental issues facing the Jersey Shore. She has already begun giving lectures at local institutions, including Ocean County College and the Waretown Historical Society, where she speaks about the importance of environmental stewardship and the consequences of littering.
"My ultimate goal is to go out and speak to kids about the effects of littering," she says. "Maybe even go into classrooms or auditoriums and speak to as many kids as I can."
Educating the next generation is a key component of Brotherston's vision. By instilling a sense of responsibility and respect for the environment in young people, she hopes to create a lasting impact that will benefit the community for years to come.
Community Support and Collaboration
Stroke Your Eco's success is not just a result of individual effort; it also reflects the power of community collaboration. The organization has partnered with local townships, NJ Clean Communities, and corporate sponsors to spread the word about their mission and garner support for their activities. These partnerships have been instrumental in raising awareness, attracting volunteers, and securing the resources needed to sustain and grow the initiative.
Local businesses have also played a role in supporting Stroke Your Eco. Whether through donations, sponsorships, or participating in cleanup events, businesses recognize the value of a clean environment and the positive impact it has on the community and local economy.
Moreover, social media has been a powerful tool for the organization, helping to connect with volunteers and keep the community informed about upcoming events. Stroke Your Eco's Facebook page is a hub of activity, where followers can find information about the latest cleanups, share their experiences, and learn more about environmental conservation.
The Broader Environmental Impact
While Stroke Your Eco's primary focus is on cleaning up local waterways, the organization's work has broader implications for environmental conservation. By removing trash from the water, the group helps to protect local wildlife, including fish, birds, and other aquatic species that are vulnerable to the dangers of pollution.
Plastic waste, in particular, poses a significant threat to marine life. Animals can become entangled in plastic debris, ingest it, or mistake it for food, leading to injury or death. By removing these harmful materials from the water, Stroke Your Eco is helping to reduce the risk to wildlife and preserve the delicate ecosystems of the Jersey Shore.
Additionally, the group's efforts contribute to the overall health of the environment by preventing the further spread of pollution. When trash is left in the water, it can break down into microplastics, which are small, nearly invisible particles that can be ingested by marine life and enter the food chain. By removing larger items of trash before they degrade, Stroke Your Eco is helping to mitigate this growing environmental problem.
Looking Ahead
As the environmental challenges facing the Jersey Shore continue to evolve, so too does Stroke Your Eco's approach to addressing them. The organization's commitment to environmental conservation, education, and community involvement is a model for how grassroots initiatives can make a meaningful difference.
Looking ahead, Brotherston envisions a future where Stroke Your Eco not only continues its clean-up efforts but also expands its reach through education and advocacy. By engaging more people in the fight against pollution and promoting a culture of environmental responsibility, the organization hopes to inspire lasting change that will benefit the Jersey Shore and beyond.
For those interested in getting involved, Stroke Your Eco offers numerous opportunities to volunteer, whether on the water or on land. Upcoming clean-up events are regularly posted on the organization's Facebook page, and donations to support their work can be made through their website.
In a world where environmental issues often feel overwhelming, Stroke Your Eco is a reminder that small actions, when taken collectively, can lead to significant change. Through their dedication and hard work, the volunteers of Stroke Your Eco are not only cleaning up the waterways of the Jersey Shore but also paving the way for a cleaner, healthier future for all.
Conclusion
Stroke Your Eco, Paddle for the Planet is more than just a cleanup initiative—it's a movement that embodies the spirit of environmental stewardship and community action. Founded on the simple idea that everyone can make a difference, the organization has grown into a powerful force for good, rallying volunteers to protect and preserve the waterways that define the Jersey Shore.
As the organization looks to the future, its mission remains clear: to keep the waters of New Jersey clean, to educate the public about the importance of environmental conservation, and to inspire others to join the fight against pollution. With each paddle stroke and each piece of trash removed, Stroke Your Eco moves closer to a future where the natural beauty of the Jersey Shore is preserved for generations to come.
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