Don’t like trash on the beach_ Town of Palm Beach makes it easier for residents to pick it up - News - The Palm Beach Post - West Palm Beach, FL9/11/2019 Don’t like trash on the beach? Town of Palm Beach makes it easier for residents to pick it up - News - The Palm Beach Post - West Palm Beach, FL
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By Wendy Rhodes Daily News Staff Writer
Posted May 24, 2019 at 1:17 PM
Updated May 24, 2019 at 1:17 PM
If you walk by the Indian Road beach access path at the far North End of Palm Beach, you will see something that
might seem peculiar - a rack of cobalt blue shopping baskets next to a large trash can.
The baskets are part of a test program coordinated by the town and Friends of Palm Beach, the non-profit
organization that works daily to clean litter from private beaches.
Here’s how it works: Pick up a basket on your way to the beach. Fill it with litter. Dump it in the trash can on your
way out. Return the basket to the rack. Easy-peasy.
“We’re giving power to the residents to be part of the solution,” Friends of Palm Beach founder Diane Buhler says of
making it easy for anyone to help clean the beaches, even if they didn’t think to bring a bag.
“It’s a no-brainer,” says Christine Kramer, who has lived on the North End for 22 years and often walks her dog on
the beach. “You’re more likely to pick it up because it’s easier.”
Buhler got the idea from a similar project on Long Island. She presented it to town officials, who agreed to purchase
the baskets if Buhler agreed to maintain them.
Don’t like trash on the beach? Town of Palm Beach makes it easier
for residents to pick it up
9/11/2019 Don’t like trash on the beach? Town of Palm Beach makes it easier for residents to pick it up - News - The Palm Beach Post - West Palm Beach, FL
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/20190524/dont-like-trash-on-beach-town-of-palm-beach-makes-it-easier-for-residents-to-pick-it-up 2/2
“We’re doing a test case to see if there is interest,” says Town Manager Kirk Blouin. If the town notices more trash
in the refuse bins by the baskets, Blouin says they will consider the pilot successful and install baskets at other beach
access points.
The town has recently upped its commitment to environmental sustainability, passing a ban on polystyrene
containers (like Styrofoam) and some single-use plastics, as well as adopting eco-friendly agricultural practices.
Blouin says the blue baskets are simply another way that residents can do their part to help keep the town beautiful.
“Some people like to walk the beach for exercise,” Blouin says. “We’re going to add another layer of exercise for
them, so they can help clean up the environment and get a little exercise at the same time.”
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@WendyRhodesFL