Geography, weather conditions, financial and material resources, and even public awareness of the problem vary from one location to the next.
Local cleanups are fun as well as functional, organized around barbecues, picnics, and even parades.
They boost civic pride, spark community spirit, and often create positive spin-offs. Beach cleanups in Matamoros, Mexico, prompted city officials to institute an entrance fee for beach-goers. Half the fee is refunded if visitors turn in a full trash bag on departure. Taken together, the local cleanups voice a loud, clear, global message that we all need to cherish our ocean. No single approach will solve the global problem of marine debris.